Biography

A classically trained guitarist for five years, Michael Cohen has studied under various teachers including Tom McRae, Michael Richter, and Dr. Matthew Dunne. In Spring 2004, Michael completed an independent study studying music theory and music composition. In 2005, he performed in the Clark Jazz Ensemble which traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Dixie Classic Music Festival and received a 1st Division (superior) rating for its outstanding performance.
Michael is currently completing his Bachelor of Music Degree at The University of Texas at San Antonio on scholarship. He was awarded the service award for UTSA Chorus, after director Melody Rich asked him to accompany the Chorus using his own arrangements. Simon and Garfunkel’s Scarborough Fair and The Sound of Silence, in Spring of 2006 were the basis for his arrangements for this unique creative event . Michael was awarded the Instrumental Areas Study Award in the Area of Guitar in Spring of 2007. He has also performed in a Pepe Romero master-class for the SouthWest Guitar Festival, Spring 2007.