Michael has had a long association with the Stanford Jazz Workshop (SJW) beginning as a faculty member in 1985. He served as the Artistic Director, Education Director and Programs Manager for the Stanford Jazz Workshop and Festival from 2000 to 2006.

In addition to his work at SJW, Michael has given clinics at many schools, festivals, and conferences around the country. He is available to give clinics to students and educators on:

• jazz topics
• jazz education and pedagogy
• music business
• career/education paths for students and developing artists

Michael is the creator and editor of The Real Easy Book, a fakebook and resource text for beginning improvisers and music teachers, that was published by Sher Music in 2003. Volume 2 of the Real Easy Book came out in 2004. To this date over 30,000 copies have been sold.