Biography
General Autobiography
Michael Relph is an award-winning writer, mathematician, technologist, education developer, architect, publisher, professional vocalist and musician, with experience in professional sports. With nearly 50 years of experience, he has worked as an executive advisor, major program and project manager, international entrepreneur and inventor, corporate diplomat, consultant and mentor.
His work has extended across approximately 70 industries in 27 countries. His approach centers on recognizing the potential in individuals and helping people and organizations work together to achieve their objectives.
Michael credits his grandfather, whom he describes as a Knight of the English Throne and a blood brother to American Indian nations, with teaching him to approach leadership as both responsibility and service.
He describes himself as open-minded, persistent, process-oriented and committed to adding value to the people and organizations he supports. His experience has included working with people of different ages, backgrounds and technical abilities, from business owners and frontline employees to scientists, surgeons and corporate executives.
Professional Life
Technologist · Strategist · Engineer · Analyst · Information Security Specialist · IT Operations Project Manager · Application Development · Infrastructure Architect · Quality Subject Matter Expert · Disaster Recovery Specialist · Military Army Logistics Specialist · Technical Writer
Early Life
Michael's original biography describes a childhood shaped by learning from experienced professionals from an early age. He began learning at three, started teaching at seven, demonstrated advanced mathematics, business and publishing skills at eight, and started his first business at twelve, mentored by the owner's son of the Royal Oak Daily Tribune.
At fifteen, he had achieved a professional grade in bowling and was given leadership of what became the largest youth program of its kind in the United States.
By seventeen, he was working with more than 900 students in a given week and had tutored more than 15,000 students across academic subjects, including MBA students in mathematics. He also represented approximately 250,000 students nationwide as a board member of the American Junior Bowling Congress.
Education
Recognized as a mathematics prodigy at seventeen in the State of Michigan, Michael chose Lawrence Technological University. Before that, he had attended Oakland Community College for mathematics at night while still in high school.
He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. During this period, he also worked for TACOM in Integrated Logistics Support.
His original biography describes receiving training from Commanding General Decker, whom he met during his first days of work.
Professional Experience
Michael's professional experience spans engineering, industrial operations, business systems, technology development and organizational strategy.
Engineering & Industrial Systems
His work included developing new technologies and supporting projects involving NASA's Space Shuttle, electric utilities, nuclear and fossil power generation stations, international airport systems, automotive manufacturing, steelmaking and diesel engine controls.
He worked with advanced data-acquisition and process-control systems, applying mathematics to improve operations, document processes and provide ongoing technical support.
Through technical business plans and quality-system programs, he helped organizations improve production, quality and time to market.
Ford Motor Company – Diesel Engine Development
One of Michael's significant accomplishments was reducing Ford Motor Company's Diesel Engine Strategy Development Process from 180 days to one day.
Following that work, he received training and implemented a major quality-system development initiative for his division, becoming a leading internal auditor. He also learned and implemented FMEA/FMEM analysis for the Diesel Program.
He demonstrated to Ford Sales that the Diesel Program could sell millions rather than tens of thousands. The original biography records 1.2 million orders within the first 90 days of product launch.
He also resolved an intellectual property dispute between a Navistar supplier and Ford Motor Company in one day, following a 90-day dispute. According to Michael's account, the dispute threatened the engine program.
Retail Technology & Business Systems
Alongside his industrial technology work, Michael developed expertise in Point of Sale systems, retail, warehousing, distribution, logistics and e-commerce.
He developed his own software product and implemented solutions for more than 300 retailers, writing over four million lines of code to customize retail functions and connect POS and e-commerce systems.
These systems helped small businesses improve inventory management as they expanded from single stores to warehouses and distribution networks serving more than 100 stores within three to four years.
General Motors – Technology & Operations
As e-commerce developed, Michael helped introduce new approaches to small-business operations and large corporate programs.
He demonstrated to General Motors leadership how new vehicle program development could be reduced from 53 months to 19 months, with estimated savings of three to four billion dollars per vehicle program, according to his original biography.
Following his work on Ford's 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel engine program, he managed GM Truck Engine and Chassis Control Systems. He developed a management system to streamline the work of calibrators and created GM's first test-bench CAN CODE for its developing multi-processor vehicle network.
He also helped lead electrical-systems changes as EDS was sold and Delco became Delphi, including new vendor qualification and management procedures for GM Purchasing.
Website development and updated technology tools helped replace legacy processes and reduce communication costs between vendors and engineering. Michael's original account describes substantial savings associated with transmission-line costs.
Consulting, Business & Technology Strategy
Michael has continued to provide business and technology strategies, including marketing and sales support for new and existing small businesses.
In parallel, he has managed large-scale IT transition projects involving IBM and major customers such as Nexus-Lexus, Enterprise Rental, Raytheon and Dow Chemical.
Following the economic changes of 2009, he completed a master's program in referral marketing authored by Ivan Misner. He applied the approach to create referral marketing groups of eight to twelve non-competing members working toward shared target markets.
His more recent partnerships have also introduced him to pop-up businesses located in shipping container villages.
Career Highlights
Selected accomplishments documented in Michael's original biography.
Energy Efficiency Grants
Captured two consecutive grants of $1.5 million each from Michigan's Energy Office for Urban Energy Efficiency Studies.
Healthcare Publications
Published four papers for St. Joseph Hospital, Detroit, addressing service quality, prescription writing, patient orders and communication between doctors, staff and patients.
New York Medicare Data Centers
Built dual-redundant data centers for the State of New York Medicare program in 120 days, approximately 200 days faster than the normal timeline for an IBM/ATT project of its type.
GM-Online
Led the deployment of GM-Online for the finance department, completing a six-month project two months ahead of schedule and eliminating more than $275 million in risk to GM's fourth-quarter bottom line.
ITIL Establishment
Established ITIL in 2004 and conducted training for GMNA Operations. The resulting organizational and process changes were credited in the original biography with $440 million in cost reductions and an additional $1.2 billion in savings.
Motor City Computers
Helped Motor City Computers grow from $30,000 to $2 million in monthly revenue and become a national leader.
Entrepreneur at Age 12
Started his first business at twelve. By seventeen, he was directing sixteen employees. His early work also included business consulting, teaching and education development.
His partnerships have extended across media and communications, construction, computer systems, manufacturing, machine tooling, education, automotive consulting, medical research, healthcare, energy, publishing and music performance.
Community & Volunteerism
Eight months into his work with General Motors, Michael was invited to a gathering at Detroit baseball legend Willie Horton's home. Although there were more than 300 guests, Michael recalls spending nearly three hours talking privately with Mr. Horton.
They began working closely together in July 1996. Michael assisted Mr. Horton and his family in establishing businesses for his children and reactivating his foundation.
The foundation operates from Tiger Town in Lakeland, Florida. Michael has supported its work in several capacities, helping underprivileged families participate in sports and gain access to professionals who can help develop their skills.
His original biography also describes his work helping individuals and organizations through technical business planning, referral marketing and strategic partnerships.
Sibuyan Island, Philippines
THE 5 R'S
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Sports, and the Arts –
Creating Tomorrow's Masterminds Today
Reimagining Education. Developing Talents. Creating Opportunities.
I believe education should do more than prepare students to pass examinations. It should help them discover their natural abilities, develop their interests into meaningful talents, and prepare them to become confident, capable, and productive adults.
My vision, presented in my book The 5 R’s – Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Sports, and the Arts: Creating Tomorrow’s Masterminds Today, is to re-engineer K-12 education by bringing academics together with music, art, sports, technology, and practical learning.
Why Rethink Education?
The pandemic revealed many limitations in traditional education, particularly when learning moved from classrooms to homes. Technology helped bridge the gap, but it also highlighted inequalities in access to educational resources and the importance of personal interaction.
I believe technology should support education, not replace the human connection that makes learning meaningful. Students need opportunities to interact, collaborate, ask questions, explore their interests, and learn directly from people with real-world experience.
A Different Approach to Learning
My proposed approach begins with introducing structured learning as early as age three, using music, art, and engaging activities to make education enjoyable and effective.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Reading, writing, mathematics, science, language arts, and history remain central to learning. Expert instructors can deliver academic lessons through video, allowing students to revisit them whenever needed. Academic coaches provide support when students need additional guidance.
Learning Through Music & Art
Music and art should be fundamental parts of education, rather than occasional extracurricular activities. Introducing these disciplines early makes learning engaging while giving students opportunities to develop their creative abilities.
Sports & Physical Development
Sports and physical activities should be an important part of a student's development. Particular attention should be given to balance, coordination, and hand-eye coordination through structured sports and exercises.
Professional Mentors & Coaches
I envision a model where experienced professionals serve as life mentors and coaches in their respective fields. Students learn from people with practical knowledge in academics, sports, art, music, technology, and the life sciences.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A trimester-based academic calendar, major holiday breaks, and one geographical vacation each year would give students opportunities to experience different places, cultures, communities, and perspectives beyond their immediate surroundings.
Discovering Individual Talents and Passions
Every student has different interests, abilities, and potential. Education should help identify those individual strengths and provide opportunities to develop them.
By connecting a student’s personality and interests with professional guidance, practical experience, and continued learning, we can help transform natural gifts into developed talents.
The ultimate objective is to help young people discover what they are passionate about, develop the ability to excel in it, and find meaningful opportunities to make a living doing what they enjoy.
Creating Tomorrow's Masterminds Today
My vision is to develop an educational environment where students graduate with more than academic knowledge. They should have practical experience, developed interests, professional skills, cultural awareness, and the confidence to continue learning throughout their lives.
By bringing together academics, sports, art, music, technology, life sciences, and professional mentorship, I believe we can create a more complete approach to education.
Education should not simply teach students what to learn. It should teach them how to learn, discover their potential, and turn that potential into opportunity.
EDUCATION REALIZED
Turning Your Gifts Into Talents and Your Talents Into a Livelihood
From my perspective, an education is truly realized when the years of learning help a person take a natural gift, develop a passion around that gift, and turn it into a talent that can provide a livelihood they will be content with as they begin their adult life.
Learning Through Experience
If you recall the early Colonial Days of America, a son would often take on the family business. There, he would learn directly from family experts, building upon their experience and knowledge to develop a higher degree of expertise and help keep the business competitive for the next generation.
This kind of practical learning, where knowledge and experience are passed from one generation to another, is an important part of education.
The Importance of Mentoring, Training & Coaching
Mentoring, training, and coaching are what I believe are grossly missing from education today.
How do we change that direction? We make it intentional.
Since public education operates with finite resources, changing this approach would require moving the traditional teacher out of the conventional teaching role and into a mentoring role, with the student ratio increasing to as high as 150 to 1 instead of the traditional 20 to 40 to 1.
Learning Through Experience
Personally, having several professional mentors, trainers, and coaches made it easier for me to sort out the details. Their guidance gave me the ability to start my first business at the age of 12, having started teaching at the age of 7 and consulting at the age of 8.
Teaching
Started teaching at the age of seven.
Consulting
Started consulting at the age of eight.
Entrepreneurship
Started his first business at the age of twelve.
My early experiences, supported by professional mentors, trainers, and coaches, helped me develop the knowledge and experience to take these first steps.
Realizing the Education You've Obtained
As a Consultive Strategist, I use Interpolative Reasoning (learning how to learn). This approach allows me to help solve difficult challenges across more than 70 industries.
To me, this is what it means to have truly realized the education you have obtained: taking what you have learned, developing your abilities, and applying that knowledge to real-world challenges.
Education is realized when your gifts, passion, and developed talents come together to create a livelihood you find meaningful and fulfilling.
THE ENTREPRENEUR
A Journey of Leadership, Business Experience & Building Opportunities
Before starting my first business at the age of 12, I had already learned how to become a leader, teacher, and consultant to other leaders and CEOs of large corporations. Being mentored and encouraged by my grandfather and father gave me the confidence and poise to engage with people in positions of leadership from a very young age.
An Early Introduction to Leadership
At just eight years old, I had an opportunity to present my findings directly to the CEO of Detroit Edison.
I stood in front of his desk with a copy of the proof of his 1966 Annual Report and walked him through the issues I had identified. He listened, reviewed my observations, and even made notes as I explained my concerns.
I remember having no fear or apprehension. I approached the conversation as naturally as if I were talking with my father.
A couple of weeks later, the CEO called me after school. He confirmed that my observations were correct, thanked me, and explained that he felt better prepared to discuss the report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Looking back, this was one of my early experiences working with business leaders.
My First Business
At the age of 12, I learned the fundamentals of running a business through my exposure to the Royal Oak Daily Tribune.
With the owner's son serving as my manager, I had the opportunity to experience the many aspects of a highly complex business that produced a different complex product every day, six days a week.
As an entrepreneur operating a business of one, you are responsible for understanding the entire operation.
Running a business requires understanding how all these functions work together.
Understanding the Different Paths to Entrepreneurship
There is more than one way to enter the world of entrepreneurship. The approach often depends on the financial resources, experience, and opportunities available to you.
Starting Without Money or Resources
Develop a business plan and pro forma to obtain a loan or attract investors to establish a startup.
Become a partner in an existing business by bringing new business to the table and negotiating a share, or by contributing expertise that creates an expanded or entirely new market for the partnership.
Starting With Money or Resources
Purchase an existing business or franchise.
Establish a new business independently, using a business plan and pro forma to guide the process.
Build a Playbook Before You Begin
For someone entering business for the first time, purchasing a franchise with an established operations manual can provide an immediate framework for running the business.
Otherwise, when there is no existing playbook, I believe it makes sense to develop one before opening the business. That playbook should work alongside a business plan and pro forma, incorporating the competitive advantages that distinguish the business.
My Work as a Business Strategist
One of my primary functions as a consultant and business strategist is helping people buy and sell businesses.
Just as importantly, I assist those who want to start a business from a white paper, helping them work through the process of turning an initial concept into a business opportunity.
Hero's in the Hood
To cap my career in the startup space, I look to create a franchise out of my new organization, Hero's in the Hood.
The vision is to help people in the Hood start businesses they can walk to from home. Through these businesses, they can begin learning how to earn a living, operate a business, and become responsible and respectful to themselves and others.
THE TECHNOLOGIST
From Applied Mathematics to Advanced Technology & Industrial Systems
Until the age of the Personal Computer, the Internet of Things (IoT), the smartphone, and advanced control systems, the world of technology grew through programs like space exploration, banking, and advanced manufacturing.
Network protocols were custom-built. Interfaces included paper tape, teletypes, punch cards, and terminals. Programming was cryptic and very complex, as were the programming languages themselves.
This was the technological environment in which I began my career, pursuing a degree in Applied Mathematics with Computer Science as its application.
The Technology of an Earlier Era
Technology has changed dramatically over the years. Before personal computers and today's connected devices, advanced systems depended on specialized hardware, custom network protocols, and complex programming.
Paper tape, teletypes, punch cards, and terminals were important interfaces in the technological environment in which I started my career.
Understanding these systems required a strong foundation in mathematics, logic, computer science, and engineering.
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Applied Mathematics & Computer Science
My educational foundation in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science provided the background for understanding complex systems and the technologies behind them.
Lawrence Institute of Technology
Applied Mathematics & Computer Science
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Technology Beyond Computers
I have always viewed technology as something much broader than computers and software.
A complex machine is also a technological advancement. Advanced technologies are required to design and manufacture those machines.
The engineering, control systems, programming, and manufacturing processes behind sophisticated machinery are equally important parts of technological progress.
This perspective has influenced my work across automotive engineering, industrial manufacturing, process control, data acquisition, and electrical power generation.
Applying Technology to Real-World Challenges
Throughout my career, I have worked on technology systems that support complex industrial and business operations. My experience spans automotive engineering, manufacturing, industrial process control, and power generation.
Automotive & Engine Control Systems
My work with Ford Motor Company included developing custom network protocols between engine control and diagnostic systems.
I also co-authored the Ford 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel engine control strategy and diagnostics.
Plant Floor & Manufacturing Systems
At General Motors, my work included developing plant-floor systems, electrical systems, and quality inspection technology.
The Quality Inspection System was initially installed at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant and subsequently deployed across GM assembly and secondary plants.
Industrial Process Control
At National Steel's Great Lakes Division, my work included computer process control, chemistry systems, metallurgical quality, cold mill scheduling, and tensile test reporting.
I also worked on blast furnace controls, coke oven controls, and hot mill operations.
Energy & Power Generation
My experience includes developing data acquisition and process control systems for nuclear and fossil power generation facilities.
I wrote, tested, and deployed more than 70 installations of these systems during my work with Scientific Systems Services.
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Building Technology That Makes a Difference
For me, technology has always been about more than creating new systems. It is about understanding complex challenges, developing practical solutions, and making the systems people depend on work better.
Whether applied to an automobile, a manufacturing facility, an industrial operation, or a power generation system, technology creates opportunities to improve how organizations operate and perform.
THE CONSULTANT
Understanding People, Their Challenges & Their Perspectives
Little did I know that at the age of 7, I was already consulting.
My First Consulting Experience
I convinced my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Altman, that I could make singing in the classroom fun while helping the students learn to sing better if she allowed me to help teach the class.
Coupled with the fact that she worked with the class first thing every day on breathing exercises, the class became pretty good.
We third graders became so much better that we led the Christmas performance instead of the sixth graders.
That same year, my experience consulting with the CEO of Detroit Edison planted the seed for working with leaders as a consultant, uniquely qualified to add value in many dimensions, sometimes in dimensions that are obscure and unknown.
An Early Introduction to Consulting With Leaders
Working With Leaders Across Different Fields
Over the years, I have worked with governmental and military leaders, corporate leaders, sports legends, professional musicians, and artisans.
For me, consulting is more about walking in their shoes and trying to understand their perspective.
It means learning about their top challenges and even their bucket-list desires. When those things are understood, intent, trust, and honest, direct discussion can occur, allowing those challenges to be addressed.
Understanding Before
Offering Solutions
My approach to consulting begins with understanding the person, their perspective, and what they are trying to accomplish.
By taking the time to understand their challenges and aspirations, meaningful discussions become possible, and the opportunity to address those challenges becomes clearer.
Consulting is about understanding before advising, building trust, and finding value in dimensions that others may not immediately recognize.
THE COACH & COUNSELOR
THE COACH & COUNSELOR
Coaching Is More Than Teaching. It's About Helping Others Reach Their Potential.
A great coach is usually someone who is passionate about coaching what they have accomplished themselves, whether it is a sport, art, music, academics, business, or even in the laboratory.
Another term for coaching is "applied learning." When performed alongside a strategic vision for the person being coached, the results can be significant, sometimes even amazing.
When a coach receives specialized training in techniques and tools that enable someone to progress from a beginner to a professional ranking, many of the pitfalls along that journey can be eliminated.
The Coach as a Counselor
In many cases, a coach also becomes a counselor when the person being coached encounters a setback or reaches a plateau in performance.
The coach's ability to provide guidance during these moments can determine whether the individual successfully navigates the challenge.
Successfully navigating these challenges strengthens the coach-student relationship and creates opportunities for greater accomplishments.
If a coach does not possess the qualities of a counselor, a student may eventually be forced to change coaches or quit altogether.
Learning to Guide Others
After my junior year in high school, I was trained as a Camp Counselor and later participated in workshops focused on risk and crisis management.
Through my experiences accompanying my father at the Probation Office, I had the opportunity to observe how to effectively navigate difficult situations and the consequences that can arise when people encounter challenges or successfully follow instructions.
I learned the importance of being able to see a step or two ahead and becoming a calm, stable presence for the person being counseled.
When that stability is established, the counselor and the individual can work together toward healing and developing new, wholesome habits.
My Journey as a Youth Bowling Coach
At the age of 15, I was hired by the Director of the Youth Bowling Program at Fairlane's Bowl in Madison Heights to assist with coaching children in the after-school and Saturday afternoon programs.
Soon after being hired, I completed a course to become a Certified Bowling Instructor through the American Junior Bowling Congress.
I later became a board member representing approximately 250,000 students nationwide. Locally, we sponsored a yearly tournament and banquet, with thousands of participants nationwide.
We also participated in youth competitions with the Pro Bowlers Tour each year as it came through the area.
Learning From a Coaching Legend
Willie Horton · Detroit Tigers
Having worked with Detroit Tigers legend Willie Horton at Tiger Town in Lakeland, Florida, during Spring Training, I had the opportunity to observe his coaching style.
His approach helped develop several Hall of Fame athletes, not just in physical capability, but also in attitude, poise, and mannerisms.
The real athletes who understand what it means to be coached by a legend can see their whole lives change in a very short period of time.
When Coaching Means Stepping Forward
In the summer of 2019, a Detroit Tigers coach called a young Black player a highly inflammatory name and was immediately fired, with restitution promised to the player.
By December of that year, it became apparent that the promise made by the club had not been kept.
During the second week of January, a planned armed riot was set to take place at Tiger Town in Lakeland, Florida, ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Willie Horton, who had been asked to address Tiger management and help resolve the situation, contacted me for assistance in preparing a letter to management.
I spent 14 hours carefully writing a two-page letter, with only 10 hours remaining before the planned event. Within 10 minutes of the letter being sent, management responded, and the situation was immediately resolved.
Needless to say, I was relieved. I still complained to God for putting me between life and death for so many people. I told Him I didn't think He was funny and asked for a little more notice next time.
“Sometimes being prepared for the extreme places you in very dangerous spots. Be careful what you ask for — you may find yourself in a spot where you must perform or else.
THE EDUCATOR
Education, Leadership & Developing Potential
As an Executive, Director, Counselor, Teacher, Mentor, and Coach, I bring over 40 years of direct, hands-on experience. Throughout my career, I have worked with students facing challenges and helped connect them with the resources and people who can support their development.
Building Connections Through Education
My work has brought me together with educational institutions, school leaders, government organizations, and community programs.
Through New Haven Trade Academy, I worked with its Superintendent of Schools, who introduced me to all Superintendents of Schools in Macomb County. As Youth Director at Fairlane's Bowl in Madison Heights, I also worked with 27 Athletic Directors and Superintendents across Oakland and Macomb Counties.
My experience also includes working at TACOM in the Integrated Logistics Support Office as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, and serving the City of Madison Heights through its Youth Day Camp and Bowling Program.
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Working Beyond the Classroom
Education has always extended beyond the classroom in my work. I have been involved in fundraising, community partnerships, youth programs, public relations, and organizational leadership.
My roles have included serving as a Board Member of Friends of the Detroit City Airport, Executive Director of Community Partnerships for 360 Willie Horton Community Partnerships, and Ambassador for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and the Inkster Chamber of Commerce.
I have also served as an advisor in education and manufacturing through the Michigan Legislative Committee.
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Developing Programs. Supporting People.
My experience includes helping establish and operate educational programs across academics, sports, art, music, and the trades.
Administration & Program Development
Student Recruiting, Counseling & Mentoring
Teaching & Coaching
Mathematics, Science, English & Technology
Vocal Music, Performance & Concert Production
Arts & Trades Instruction
Experience Across Borders & Industries
My international consulting work has included education, manufacturing, youth sports, transportation, agriculture, trade, technology, and energy.
THE MUSICIAN
A Family Legacy of Music, Faith & Performance
Music has been a major part of my family's culture for over 400 years, deeply connected to the practice of faith through worship. Piano, violin, and voice have been the major musical influences throughout my family's history.
A Musical Heritage Passed Through Generations
For over 400 years, members of the Relph family have learned to play the piano. My father's father continued that tradition. Although he may not have been the greatest pianist, he certainly made playing music fun. Even years later, people remembered and loved his entertaining performances in Sunday School.
He was left-handed, and when he first learned to play, his left hand was tied behind his back so he would not lead with it. I often think about how frustrating that must have been.
My father's mother's family, the Duffel family, carried another musical tradition. For generations, the men learned to play the violin from a very young age.
My great-grandfather William moved from London, England, to Calgary, Alberta, around 1905–1906. He became a remarkable violinist, and his three sons also became accomplished musicians.
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William and his sons travelled throughout Western Canada, from Edmonton to Vancouver. During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics opening ceremony, William was recognized as the "Legend of the Rocky Mountain Violinist."
I remember seeing the ceremony on television but did not realize they were talking about my great-grandfather until our family historian shared photographs and a written account of his story. The Duffel family has a family tree documenting more than 11,000 members.
My mother's father's family, the Seegers, also encouraged musical participation. Family members learned instruments and played in school bands and orchestras. At Christmas gatherings, everyone brought their instruments and took turns playing a song or two.
One cousin eventually pursued music professionally, becoming a Jazz composer, arranger, performer, and concert manager, with a strong following in Europe while teaching as a tenured professor of Jazz at New Orleans University.
My Own Musical Journey
My musical journey began long before I understood what it meant to perform. It started with simple lessons from my grandfather and gradually grew into a lifelong love of singing.
My grandfather encouraged me to match a musical tone while standing beside his small air-driven organ.
I began understanding harmony, starting with a simple third.
I started learning how to read music.
I had gained enough confidence to help my second-grade teacher teach singing to the class.
I performed my first Christmas solo in front of more than 700 people in our school gymnasium, without a microphone.
Learning the Power of a Choir
In sixth grade, I learned The Battle Hymn of the Republic and performed with a combined school choir of more than 300 voices. I had the opportunity to experience that powerful sound again in eighth and twelfth grades.
As I entered eighth grade, my voice changed by more than an octave, taking me from the highest voice in the choir to a tenor who had to learn an entirely new part.
At fourteen, my father invited me to join the church choir. I loved singing with this adult choir of approximately 60–70 voices. One of my most memorable experiences was sitting beside a professional bass singer and feeling the remarkable vibration of his low notes through the choir pew.
After high school, I helped teach music and rhythm to four- and five-year-old children through a Wednesday evening church program. A local music teacher, Pat, later invited me to help with a Montessori school's Christmas program rehearsal. Watching the young students perform showed me how much children could accomplish through musical training.
Developing My Voice
Approximately fourteen years after high school, while working at Ford Motor Company on the 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel engine control system, I contacted Pat because I wanted to learn piano.
Instead, she encouraged me to contact her friend Mary, who could help develop my singing voice. Mary worked with me once a week for more than four years, helping me establish a repertoire and improve my vocal abilities.
During that period, I rehearsed approximately 30–40 hours a week. The experience transformed my understanding of what the human voice could do.
Singing from the Toes
Through my vocal training, I coined my own musical term: "Singing from the Toes."
It describes singing with complete abandon, using all the energy you can muster and establishing the entire front of your body, from the tip of your big toenail to the crown of your head, as a soundboard from which the sound springs outward.
The first time I experienced this during a vocal exercise with my voice coach, she became so excited that she jumped up from the piano bench and celebrated. She asked me to repeat it several times, recognizing that I had reached the plateau she had been working toward with me.
Explore Singing from the Toes ↗The Battle Hymn of the Republic
First introduced to me in fifth grade, The Battle Hymn of the Republic became one of my all-time favorite songs to sing in choir.
I performed it as part of large school choir gatherings in sixth, eighth, and twelfth grades. The powerful 1957 choir arrangement has always held a special place in my musical journey.
On May 5, 2016, I performed the song with the First Baptist Dallas Choir and Orchestra. You can see me front and center in the video between 1:30 and 1:40.
Watch the May 5, 2016 Performance ↗More Music to Come
I look forward to sharing more of my favorite tunes, musical genres, places, and groups I have sung with, while giving everyone a glimpse of what is to come.
Other musical interests and subjects include Men of the Heights, Southern Gospel Music, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patti, the Cathedral Quartet, and Dollywood's Southern Gospel Music Museum.
I also look forward to sharing more about the First Baptist Dallas Choir and Orchestra, and the Troy Baptist / Woodside Bible Choir and Orchestra.
My Resumes
PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS
Explore Michael's professional experience, technical background, and work through the documents below.
CSES International
Company profile, business development, consulting experience, and professional history.
WORD DOCUMENT · DOCXEnergy & Process Control
Professional experience in process control, data acquisition systems, plant-floor engineering, and energy generation.
WORD DOCUMENT · DOCMy Achievements & Medals
