Michael Gilliland joined the faculty of Missouri Southern State University in 1999 as Adjunct Professor of Horn. Previously, he was a member of the United States Air Force Band Program from 1989 until 1998.

Currently, Michael is Principal Horn with the Fort Smith Symphony in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is also in demand as a freelance hornist, as well as a clinician covering the topics of Horn Pedagogy, breathing techniques, performance practice, and section performance.