Growing up in a musical family, Michelle was inspired by both of her paternal grandparents. Her grandmother, a piano teacher in Memphis, was a big influence from an early age, while her grandfather, known for his beautiful baritone voice, was often featured as a soloist at church. Michelle's father was an “instrumental” as well, taking her to many live performances as a child, thus fostering her love not only for piano, but for all instruments. He enjoyed gospel music which helped develop Michelle's ear for harmony.
Michelle received her training in musical performance while studying classical music, performing at church, school events, and for musical theater. An accelerated student, she entered college under the early admissions program as a high school senior to study piano with Dr. Mary Greenhoe, at Tennessee Wesleyan College. She continued on to University of Tennessee for two years and then returned to Wesleyan, studying organ with Dr. Greenhoe.
In 1988, Michelle moved to Nashville with aspirations of pursuing music professionally. She kept her day job (working in the group insurance industry) while pursuing her passion for music. By age thirty, Michelle had worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Vice President of Marketing and Underwriting for her company. This required managing sixteen employees, and a $40 million book of business. But while she did this, and did it well, her heart wasn't in it. Meanwhile, Michelle was teaching piano at the WO Smith Music School in Nashville. Reaffirming her true calling, Michelle made a major life leap and left her secure corporate position to share her love for music through teaching.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Michelle plays piano, organ, guitar, handbells, ukulele, baritone uke, and has studied violin and mandolin. Having directed children's choir and handbell choir, she has written handbell music, arranged piano pieces, written and produced various children's shows, performed at countless weddings and been the pianist for musicals including Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, The Boyfriend, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie Get Your Gun. Michelle sang on station id's for Country Music Television and Nashville Channel 17, as well as recording sessions for Lifeway. She has taught music and piano at several preschools in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties. This past year she had the special privilege of teaching ukulele at an area retirement home to ladies ages 80-90.
Michelle now manages CSM full time, and enjoys working with the families in the community.
Michelle received her training in musical performance while studying classical music, performing at church, school events, and for musical theater. An accelerated student, she entered college under the early admissions program as a high school senior to study piano with Dr. Mary Greenhoe, at Tennessee Wesleyan College. She continued on to University of Tennessee for two years and then returned to Wesleyan, studying organ with Dr. Greenhoe.
In 1988, Michelle moved to Nashville with aspirations of pursuing music professionally. She kept her day job (working in the group insurance industry) while pursuing her passion for music. By age thirty, Michelle had worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Vice President of Marketing and Underwriting for her company. This required managing sixteen employees, and a $40 million book of business. But while she did this, and did it well, her heart wasn't in it. Meanwhile, Michelle was teaching piano at the WO Smith Music School in Nashville. Reaffirming her true calling, Michelle made a major life leap and left her secure corporate position to share her love for music through teaching.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Michelle plays piano, organ, guitar, handbells, ukulele, baritone uke, and has studied violin and mandolin. Having directed children's choir and handbell choir, she has written handbell music, arranged piano pieces, written and produced various children's shows, performed at countless weddings and been the pianist for musicals including Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, The Boyfriend, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie Get Your Gun. Michelle sang on station id's for Country Music Television and Nashville Channel 17, as well as recording sessions for Lifeway. She has taught music and piano at several preschools in Davidson, Maury and Williamson counties. This past year she had the special privilege of teaching ukulele at an area retirement home to ladies ages 80-90.
Michelle now manages CSM full time, and enjoys working with the families in the community.