Mr. Michael Guertin is currently completing a degree in jazz composition and arranging from the University without walls via the 5 College Consortium(UMass Amherst) and is currently studying composition and jazz guitar performance with Bob Ferrier. Previously he has studied composition with the late Dr. Billy Taylor working on composing all aspects of modern harmony and melody as well traditional jazz. Prior to his studies with Dr. Taylor Michael studied the compositional style and approach to jazz/modern harmony of Yusef Lateef with Joe LaCreta.

His compositional credits include numerous works performed by various marching, jazz and percussion ensembles. Currently he is working on a collection of Wes Montgomery and Milt Jackson transcriptions.

Michael has studied privately with Joe Morello, Nick Angelis, Neil Shilansky, Ed Saindon, Chip Jackson, Chris Swist and Tony Miceli.

He has had the pleasure of performing with a variety of ensemble that range from, drum corps and big bands to small jazz combos. His performance credits include the late John Abercrombie, Jamie Baum, Dr. Billy Taylor, and Sheila Jordan amongst others.

Michael has been involved in music education since 2003 taking on private students and working with numerous marching ensembles throughout northeast and greater Boston area. Most notably he served on education team with the Denver Blue Knights from 2011-2012 where he worked closely with Ralph Hardimon and Paul Weber to take the percussion section to a 9th place finish in the DCI World Class. In 2016 Michael worked closely with Dan Allen at the Troopers during the Winter to help establish technique. He has also served as a program consultant, arranger and percussion caption head for the several College and championship high school bands.

Michael works extensively as a freelance adjudicator, clinician and guest speaker for both indoor percussion and fall marching band since the fall of 2003. He works in partnership with various circuits throughout the country including NESBA, MBDA, MAC, USBands, CWEA, as well as RMPA. During his time as and adjudicator he has been an active member of the Mass judges association(MJA) since 2008 where he currently holds certifications for percussion, music effect, field music and music ensemble.

Michael currently runs the welding school and nuclear pipe welder development for the Electric Boat company in Groton CT where he trains welders to do the critical welding required to build and repair submarines for the US Navy.

Michael proudly endorses Vater drum sticks and mallets as well as Vintage Sound Amplifiers.