Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Michael Arthurs is currently a D.M.A composition (jazz emphasis) student at the University of Texas in Austin. While in high school, Michael began to study jazz improvisation with internationally acclaimed saxophonist and educator, Pat LaBarbera, who convinced Michael to further his music studies at Humber College in Toronto. After receiving a scholarship to study with Dave Liebman at the Banff School of Fine Arts, he then went on to study Saxophone and Improvisation with Joe Lovano and George Coleman while attending William Paterson University. During that time, Michael received the Judges Citation for "Outstanding Soloist" at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. For a time, Michael maintained an active career as a freelance musician in and around the Toronto area, honing his skills playing in jazz clubs such as "Georges Spaghetti House" with the Wray Downes/Archie Alleyne Quartet, or recording with CBC Radio Canada for projects such as the "Evolution of Jazz" and "Kollage." He also spent several years working as a Musician/Bandleader for several different cruise ships. Michael now lives in Austin, TX where he is pursuing his D.M.A in Composition (Jazz Emphasis). |
