Philadelphia-based pianist and vocal coach Michael Lewis finds joy in working with others to create and recreate musical worlds in a multitude of styles. He is currently on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts as a vocal coach and collaborative pianist. At Opera Philadelphia he serves as principal pianist and coach on mainstage productions. 

In 2019, Michael formed Aural Compass Projects, a non-profit music organization dedicated to performing new and less-performed works. ACP strives to develop a moral compass that guides their work in aspiring towards equality and better representation in the music industry. Michael serves as the Artistic Director of Aural Compass Projects.

Michael earned a Masters of Music degree from Arizona State University in collaborative piano under the guidance of Russell Ryan. He is also an alumnus of the Ithaca College School of Music where he studied vocal performance. Previous appointments include Vocal Coach and Repetiteur on productions at Opera Philadelphia, Cincinnati Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Portland Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Temple University, and Tri-Cities Opera, Chorus Master at Arizona MusicFest, Tri-Cities Opera, and Ithaca College.

An enthusiastic recitalist, Michael has established a collaborative relationship with many singers performing with Aural Compass Projects, El Paso Opera’s Giving Voice Recital Series, Opera Saratoga’s America Sings Recital Series, and Aspen Music Festival. 

Outside of his musical endeavors, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking for others, playing Switch games, and sharing moments with their loving partner, Dicky, and their three rabbits: Cooper, Oliver, and Lulu.

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