Michael serves as Director of Music/Organist at South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church.  A native of Jacksonville, he is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree from Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. and a Master of Church Music degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. 

He also enjoys his role as principal keyboardist for Jim Goodell’s Bella Voce, as well as collaborating with Jim for a number of musical projects both at his church and around town. He is the conductor of the community choral group, The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville, which he co-founded with his wife, Debbie, in January 2010. They are proud to claim SJPC as their rehearsal home! 

Michael maintains his own piano/organ studio and has frequently joined with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra when their repertoire has called for an organist. He also has played at California’s Crystal Cathedral, as well as at The International Church Music Festival in Bern, Switzerland. He enjoys offering musical support for the High Holy Days and other special services at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (“The Temple”). Well-versed in many liturgies, he is frequently called upon to play Catholic Masses and other liturgical events. 

He also enjoys playing for Oktoberfest, in his role as keyboardist with the Newtons’ Wunderbar Band, as well as other musical enterprises with Glynda and Cliff Newton.  Michael is a published composer, commissioned hymn writer, and frequent performer in both classical and jazz styles — often involving improvisation. He very much looks forward to the expansion and flourishing of the arts in the years ahead at South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church!