Michael Pestalozzi Bio Growing up in a musical household Michael had the guitar coming in and out of his life from an early age. Learning on friends and borrowed instruments, he taught himself basic chords , songs and rhythm. In 1970, after showing a consistent interest, his parents bought him his first guitar. Shortly there after Michael took several months of classical guitar lessons. For a number of years, he continued to be self taught, learning to read music and play folk, rock and blues. Michael took lessons again for a short time and was again working on the classical guitar in addition to his other interests. Michael received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Western Connecticut State University studying classical guitar and composition under the world renouned guitarist, composer and musicologist Alexander Bellow. Further studies were taken under the direction of Phillip De Fremery(www.phillipdefremery.com) . After college Michael became the Musical Director of the Artery Performing Arts Center, a collective of actors, dancers, musicians and visual artists that gave performances throughout Connecticut. During this time Michael studied Jazz and improvisation with ninja guitarist and teaching guru Linc Chamberland .This was a very fertile time, allowing Michael to gain experience in all of the different musical styles he was familiar with, composing music for dance, theatre and various vocal and instrumental ensembles.At the end of his tenure with the Artery, Michael decided to move to New York City. Since 1980 he has performed with dozens of Jazz, Rock and R&B ensembles and groups performing his original music . He has also performed in Off Broadway shows including Geraldine Fitzgerald's one woman show "Street Songs". In 1986 Michael performed at Madison Square Garden with the "All star Big Band" under the direction of Buster Williams(www.busterwilliams.com). He has led and co-led many groups including Emissary, Lotus, Mad City Rhythm II, Section 8, Goodfoot and Brutha O. Along with engineer and drummer Matt Hathaway Michael created Earshot Music which created music for advertising and production for numerous recording artists .The opportunity arose for Michael to contribute his musical skills to a number of motion pictures. He co-wrote three compositions with Buddy Booker for the feature film " Unsavory Characters" and was commisioned to write scores for two documentaries, "Charles Pratt: His Life and Legacy" and "Healing Ground Zero". Having had the great fortune to have had not one GREAT teacher but three has given Michael a unique perspective on teaching, expanding on the concepts handed down to him. He taught his first guitar lesson "for pay" in 1974, and has been teaching ever since. Breaking down complex information into simple concepts that can be permutated over the entire instrument has been a hallmark of Michael's teaching style. Michael continues to perform, teach and compose in all styles of music. Bands Ive played with a few places in the nyc area where i have performed LINKS-musicians Artists of Mention I have Played or Recorded With