My name is Michael Gutshall. I’ve been playing piano since I was 4 years old, and my experience with the instrument has been extremely diverse. I started teaching myself the basics and then at the age of 7, I started lessons with the pianist at our local church. Further down the road, around age 13, I started lessons with Nancy Weston, where I gained performance experience participating in studio recitals and furthered my knowledge of music theory.

After graduating from Irmo High School, I took lessons from Professor Fugo at The University of South Carolina’s School of Music. Since then I have been able to form an original band called Travel Therapy with music colleague and friend, Smith Austin (bassist). I’ve also had the privilege of playing with several local bands around Columbia including the synth-pop/funk bands OUTEREGO and Bad Vessel. Piano may be my primary instrument, but I also know how to play basic guitar and I record my own original music (with vocals, guitar, and drums). I also have experience playing live looping sets and can advise students on this if desired.

I have a deep love for music and l am looking forward to getting students excited about it as well! Music has always been a sanctuary and deeply therapeutic for me and my goal as a teacher is to plant a seed of musical inspiration.