Michael hails from a vibrant and musical immigrant Italian family in New Jersey, where the lively gatherings and playful chaos instilled in him a deep love for music and physical humor. Beginning his musical journey as a toddler, Michael’s early fascination with sound was evident when he was already breaking record needles by the age of three. His passion for music led him to tour with various bands through his 20s, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Michael’s professional trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Blue Man Group as the Assistant to the Music Director. His role expanded to include studio work on numerous albums, managing a major performing arts workshop, and touring globally. His innovative contributions to the Blue Man Group involved creating unique instruments, designing immersive experiences, and setting up performances in both small tours and prestigious venues worldwide.

In 2003, Michael collaborated with Chris Wink of Blue Man Group to develop a music program for the Blue School. This experience inspired him to launch his own venture, Rockness Music, and the band Michael & the Rockness Monsters. Rockness Music quickly became the gold standard for interactive, high-energy music education, and the band has since released eight acclaimed studio albums. Their Audible Book, Michael & the Rockness Monsters’ World Tour, has also received significant praise.

Michael & the Rockness Monsters have graced stages at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Levitt Pavilion, and Lollapalooza, among others. Michael himself is a versatile composer, producer, musician, engineer, and actor, known for infusing his work with infectious energy and boundless imagination.

Currently, Michael and his wife, Heather Napolitano, CEO and co-founder of Rockness Music, are spearheading a significant new initiative. They are establishing a non-profit arm of Rockness Music to offer their music enrichment classes free to schools and organizations lacking the necessary resources or grant funding. This initiative aims not only to provide access to high-quality music education but also to ensure that musicians and educators are compensated at fair market rates.

Outside of his professional life, Michael is a devoted husband and father to two wonderful teenagers, who play field hockey. He enjoys cooking Italian dishes and cherishing family traditions.