Philadelphia-based collaborative pianist and vocal coach Michael Lewis is known for his inspiring interpretations and mastery of a multitude of styles. In 2021, he joined the faculty of Academy of Vocal Arts as a vocal coach and collaborative pianist. In Philadelphia, he regularly works on projects with Opera Philadelphia, various ensembles at University of Pennsylvania, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. In the 22-23 season, he will be principal pianist on The Raven and performance pianist for Carmina Burana at Opera Philadelphia, in recital with André Courville for Afternoons at AVA, premiering a new song cycle by Persis Vehar in an Aural Compass Projects performance in Phoenix, AZ, and vocal coach and recitalist at Bard Music Festival. ​In 2019, Michael formed Aural Compass Projects, a non-profit music organization dedicated to performing new and less-performed works. ACP strives to develop a moral compass that guides their work in aspiring towards equality and better representation in the music industry. Michael earned a Masters of Music degree from Arizona State University in collaborative piano under the guidance of Russell Ryan where he won the Concert of Soloists competition with Robert Muczynski’s Piano Concerto. He is also an alumna of the Ithaca College School of Music where he studied vocal performance as a baritone in the studio of Dr. David Parks. Previous appointments include Vocal Coach and Repetiteur on productions at Opera Philadelphia, Cincinnati Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Portland Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, and Tri-Cities Opera, Chorus Master at Arizona MusicFest and Tri-Cities Opera, and Assistant Music Director in the Marion Roose Pullin Studio at Arizona Opera. An enthusiastic recitalist, Michael has established a collaborative relationship with many singers performing with Aural Compass Projects, El Paso Opera’s Giving Voice Recital Series, Opera Saratoga’s America Sings Recital Series, and Aspen Music Festival. In addition to vocal collaboration, Michael collaborates with smaller and larger chamber groups ranging from duos, trios, and quartets to work with orchestras like Albany Symphony and Aspen Chamber Symphony, and Aspen Contemporary Ensemble.