Michael Frels is a recent graduate of the University of Texas College of Fine Arts with a concentration in audio recording, piano performance, education and percussion. He has studied with world renowned piano performer and teacher, Dr. Nancy Burton Garrett, for 3 years at UT, and has also taken years of drum lessons, studying with Thad Anderson, the previous drum director for the UT Drum Line, and Tony Edwards, Principal Percussionist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He was a finalist in the Butler School of Music’s Nilsson Solo Piano Competition in 2014. He has also worked as an instructor for the Totally Cool Totally Arts program in the City of Austin with at risk teens, teaching hand drums classes and general music skills, including recording.

 

For over 5 years, Michael has been teaching primarily piano, with a studio of more than 60 students. When he is not helping to shape the musical minds of his students, he is gigging around town with his bands. He has helped start many local Austin bands, playing drum set and keyboard with an Indie Rock influence, all original songs. They have toured and performed shows in the hundreds at various venues all around Texas. In addition, He’s a local composer, recording for many short films and other various projects for local artists, and alumni of the Austin Civic Orchestra.