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Michael Metz
Education:
Master of Music – Rice University – Shepherd School of Music
Bachelor of Music – Indiana University – Jacobs School of Music
Michael Metz is a multi-faceted percussionist from Louisville, Kentucky and a recent addition to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Prior to moving to New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Michael has held positions in the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and Terre Haute Symphony, and has performed on percussion, timpani, and drum set with groups such as the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic, Amarillo Symphony, New World Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Houston Grand Opera, and the Houston Symphony.
Michael recently received his Master’s degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music where he was awarded a full-tuition scholarship and studied with Matthew Strauss, Associate Principal Timpanist/Section Percussionist with the Houston Symphony. Before coming to Rice, Michael received a Bachelor’s degree in music performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying primarily with John Tafoya. Michael studied a wide variety of percussion instruments and styles at IU including jazz and latin percussion, performing in bands, orchestras, and groups like the IU Brazilian Ensemble.
During his studies, Michael was selected to perform at music festivals across the country including two summers at the Aspen Music Festival. He also attended the Chautauqua and Eastern Music Festivals, and in 2020, he was selected to be an Orchestra of the Americas fellow.
On top of his flourishing orchestral career, Michael is an avid chamber musician and educator. He is currently a core performing member and Education Director of the Houston-based Monarch Chamber Players. At Rice University, he was a Brown Fellow and instructed the weekly Young Children’s Division music classes. He has also taught in multiple school districts in the Greater Houston area along with maintaining a private studio. Aside from performing and teaching, Michael enjoys following pro and college sports, playing disc golf, hiking, and competing at local trivia nights.
