Michael first picked up the guitar at the late age of 16 and spent the next five years as a self-taught musician. He began his first formal music lessons in 1987 under the tutelage of guitarist Tom Conway. In the same year, he enrolled at The Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, California. In addition to comprehensive, formal learning, the GIT experience provided Michael with the opportunity to get into the minds and methods of legendary guitarists such as Joe Pass, Joe Diorio, and Tommy Tedesco.

Upon completing his formal education, Michael returned to Maui and spent the next 12 years playing clubs, lounges, and conventions throughout the high-end resort circuit on the island. These “lounge lizard” years provided Michael with the opportunity to refine his playing skills and begin paying the first installments of life-long dues that are quintessential to a musician's career.

In 1993, Michael began private study with world-renowned music educator Dick Grove. Their student-mentor relationship turned into a friendship that lasted up until Dick’s untimely passing in 1998. Michael refers to Dick’s "gospel" as being the most significant influence in his musical journey.

It was about this time that Michael made the transition from working musician to music instructor. He has since provided group and private instruction through the non-profit organization Introduction to the Arts (ITTA), The Kaunoa Senior Center (Paia, HI), King Intermediate School, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, The Hawai`i Music Institute at Windward Community College, and The Word of Life Christian Academy.

He is currently teaching through his private practice and through the non-profit organization Introduction to the Arts..