In Flight
A piano enthusiast since the age of six,Michael Harrisonreceived classical training throughout his childhood and went on to study  composition at the University of Oregon and the Juilliard School. Since  1979, he has been studying North Indian classicalragawith master  Indian vocalistPandit Pran NathandTerry Riley. His most  profound influence, however, has been renowned avant-garde composerLa  Monte Young, whose pioneering work with just intonation was a crucial  element in Harrison's pursuit of the purest, most uncompromised sound. "I  was hearing music with sounds that the piano just couldn't achieve; it  always sounded out of tune. To solve this problem, I created my own  instrument." Thus the harmonic piano was born. Tuned in two just intonation  scales, the instrument allows Harrison a range of tonal flexibility and  tuning precision of unprecedented scope.Michael Harrison has received  Ruth Lorraine Close Awards from the University of Oregon and has been the  recipient of grants from Meet the Composer, the Oregon Arts Commission, and  the Dia Art Foundation. His composition,Symphonic Cortege, a tone  poem for full orchestra, received its world premiere by the Eugene Symphony  Orchestra in 1992.