Dr. Michael Guertin earned his Ed.D in with a focus in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC. Previously earned a BM the University without walls via the 5 College Consortium (UMass Amherst) with a focus in Jazz Composition and arranging. Previously Michael studied composition with the late Dr. Billy Taylor working on all aspects of modern harmony and melody as well as traditional jazz. Prior to his studies with Dr. Taylor Michael studied the compositional style and approach to jazz/modern harmony of Yusef Lateef and Barry Harris with Bob Ferrier and 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 Dr. Christian Dancy.
Michael has studied privately with Joe Morello, Nick Angelis, Neil Shilansky, Chip Jackson, Christopher Swist, Joe Fonda 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, Dr. Billy Taylor, Sheila Jordan, Jamie Baum, and Chip Jackson 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. He has also served as a program consultant, arranger and percussion caption head for the several College and championship high school bands throughout New England.
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 pipe welder development program for a large natural gas utility company in New England where he trains and qualifies welders to do the critical welding required to build and repair gas transmission and distribution pipelines.
Michael proudly endorses Vater drumsticks and mallets, Bullethead Drums as well as Vintage Sound Amplifiers.