Jess asks: "How did you know your voice was good enough to get a record?"

Michael answers: Thanks for asking the first question, Jess! In many ways, I feel like I didn't even take that question into consideration when I started recording. I just -- started recording! It was more to document my own writing, initially -- but then I just started showing a few of the recordings to some friends, and the feedback I got was so inspiringly positive that I figured I may as well go ahead and record a full album! And here we are : ).

Bernie asks: "What's your favorite non-Broadway piece of music?"

Michael answers: Hi Bernie! That's a really difficult question to answer, as I have so many favorites that spread accross so many different genres! Very high up there is Carmina Burana, but in contrast I am also a huge Billy Joel fan, and of course Adam Pascal, Queen, Elton John, even Evanescence lately (especially "My Immortal," which I just posted my own recordiong of -- check out the music site!). Sorry to be so vague, but as you may have noticed I'm rather fond of almost anything musical!

Mike asks: "Have you ever sought out professional voice training? Do you think this is a good idea?"

Michael answers: Absolutely. I’ve studied voice for about three years now, and I will tell you that without it, I would not be able to do half the things that I’m able to do (I still get all giddy when I’m belting out anything above a high G : ) )! It actually took a couple years of convincing before I agreed to study voice, though – I’ve always maintained that the single most important vocal trait is character, and I sort of thought that if I studied voice, it would turn me into a passionless operatic singer. Luckily I was wrong (at least I hope I was). What good voice lessons will do is allow you to maximize all of your passion and character by supporting it with proper technique, which will enable you to sing better and for longer periods of time – and obviously, that’s kind of important for a singer…

So yes, if singing is something that you really enjoy doing, it is absolutely worth seeking out a good teacher. But be careful, because just because someone can sing, doesn’t mean they can teach. So try it out, and ultimately, it really all comes down to whether or not you’re having fun. Good luck!!

Mira B. asks: "How did you make it this far? And how can I do it?!?!"

Michael answers: "Well first off, thanks so much for your incredibly kind compliment of saying that I’ve made it very far to begin with! This is a difficult question to answer without sounding like an arrogant jerk, but I’ll do my best : ).

I am very blessed to have known exactly what I've wanted to do with my life since the age of eleven, and while I’ve branched out a bit, I’ve never really wavered since. Actually, “wanted to do” doesn’t really cover it too well – it’s more like what I have to do with my life. So I guess for me, all of the ridiculous hours I spend writing, recording, going slowly insane, etc., doesn’t really feel like an accomplishment out of the ordinary… It’s just sort of become what I have to do every day, just like eating, sleeping, and breathing (each of which I could use a little more of, but what can one do).

So how did I get where I am (wherever that is)? By doing what I need to do. By doing my work, and trying my best to never lose focus of all that I want, and need, to do. As for yourself? The only thing I can really tell you is to find what it is that YOU need to do, and just go for it as passionately and as completely as you can! It’s really as easy (and as hard) as that. I hope that answers your question, and thanks again for your kind words – and I still have quite a way to go!