Hard work pays off.

Allow me to brag, for a bit, about Michael (because we all know he won't do it himself).

He has spent the past three years working his little hiney off becoming a better percussionist. He gave an absolutely phenomenal junior recital, and is now preparing to go to Denmark for the next few months to study in Copenhagen with Gert Mortensen.

He is going into his senior year, and thus has to be considering where he will be attending grad school. A top choice of his has been Cleveland State University where Tom Freer (percussionist for the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra) teaches, and he has spent the last two days in Cleveland taking lessons with Mr. Freer.

The week and a half leading up to these lessons I saw very little of him because he was spending 5 and 6 hours a day in the practice room. I honestly don't know how he does it. Anyway, Tom was impressed with his playing (who wouldn't be?) and has invited him to come and study with him after he graduates. It is an incredible honor, and I'm not sure I can think of anyone who is more deserving.

Well done, sir :-).