Inspired by his two older sisters, guitarist Michael Braun began his musical education at the age of seven, studying piano. By fifteen, like so many teenage boys, Michael desired to become a rock star which was the motivating factor for him to switch instruments and begin playing the electric guitar.  Four years later, upon discovering the joys of the classical guitar, he abandoned his plans of rock stardom and fell in love with the more elegant and refined instrument and has not looked back since.

Born and raised in the outskirts of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Michael has had great success at festivals in his native land, including first prize for solo guitar at the Winnipeg Music Festival in 2002. He also won first prize at the Southeastern Manitoba Festival in 2003 and in 2005, along with winning the scholarship for the most promising performer on guitar in 2005. In addition to being a soloist winner, Michael has won first prizes at the Winnipeg Music Festival and the Southeastern Music Festival in the guitar duo (SEMF 2003) and guitar ensemble (SEMF 2003, 2002, 2001) categories.  Mr. Braun has been selected to play in master classes with many great guitarists/musicians, including Manuel Barrueco, Sérgio Assad, Adam Holzman, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Fabio Zanon, Raphaella Smits, Jeffrey McFadden and Denis Azabagic.

Michael’s musical training throughout high school and college allowed him to teach guitar lessons for four years in the Winnipeg area.  Teaching privately out of his home, and at the Linden Christian School of Fine Arts, he was able to guide both kids and adults in their love of guitar and their yearning for a deeper understanding and knowledge of music.

Teaching led to a greater desire of his own knowledge and instruction of the infinitely complex realm of music.  Now in his final year at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Michael studies guitar with Marc Teicholz as well as with David Tanenbaum, Richard Savino and Sérgio Assad.  He is a recipient of the Vincent Constantino Scholarship and a Student Bursary Grant from the Manitoba Arts Council. While studying at the Conservatory of Music, Michael has had numerous opportunities to perform in both master class and concert settings. His most recent performances were as soloist performing Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies: A Christmas in the Southwest for guitar, harp, marimba and chorus with the SFCM Chorus and with the Notre Dame high school in Belmont, California. He has also collaborated with violinist Betsy Braun to perform music ranging from Ástor Piazzolla to Arcangelo Corelli.

Michael is an avid sports fan and was a member of the Providence College men’s varsity volleyball team which won two National Championships — first as a player and then as the assistant coach. The discipline required to compete athletically at such a high level has carried over to his work ethic in music and he thoroughly enjoys spending long hours getting to know the guitar better. When Michael is not practicing, he enjoys relaxing and spending time with his wife, Betsy.                  

8/19/2010mb