We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Guy Michel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Guy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
Instead of only introducing classical music as the only way to learn, I focus on the overall understanding of music (improvising, reading, entertaining, studio work, etc). There’s more to learning an instrument than Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. I truly believe it’s the reason why most people quit the “classical instruments” (pun intended. Those instruments are not meant only for classical music). Music is not meant to be taught like math. I created The Performing Arts Institute to expand the mind and enhance someone’s natural ability and creativity
Guy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started playing the cello when I was 5 because that was my dad’s favorite instrument (RIP). I started with classical music but decided to explore other options in 2008, 4 years after graduating from college (best decision ever made). That’s when I truly became free to express myself and discover my own sound and way of playing
I currently provide entertainment on my cello (notice I didn’t say just cellist – different perspective). Even when I play covers, I add my twists to it and improv 90% of the time (huge risk but I live on the edge haha), which sets me apart from other cellists. That way, I can play the same track at multiple events and still sound new. One of the coolest things about my performance is that I also take requests from the guests just like a DJ. That definitely adds some extra “cello sauce” to my performance
I’m very fortunate to have been playing full time since 2008. I’ve performed locally, nationally and internationally. I’ve been practicing martial arts for about 20 years now and treat my performances just like it; learn as many styles as possible in order to have options. The more the better the skillset. Be able to flow (music improvisation)
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Classical music is the foundation of music education. After I graduated from FIU, I played at an open mic with other musicians that were not “classically trained” and they were able to feel the music much better than me. I was great at playing with sheet music but was so lost when there was nothing for me to read. That humbled me very quickly and realized I didn’t know as much as I thought and realized how big that gap is from playing notes on an instrument to playing music
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I treat my cello career as a business. It’s much deeper than playing fancy notes to showcase your talent. The audience doesn’t care about our music theory knowledge. They never say “oh, that was a fancy chord progression lol”. They just want to want to have a good time and feel good. That’s what they’ll remember after the performance. I’ve been using that mindset since 2008 and have been in business full time since then
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guymichelmusic.com
- Instagram: @guymichelmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guymichelmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guymichelmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/guymichelmusic
- Other: TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@guymichelmusic
Image Credits
Smitty from Trillion Studios Joe Wesley Photography