Michael began his career in music at age 5 when his father Ed, (yes, the same Ed Etkins who is a member of the Alan Segal Quartet), started him out on the Eflat clarinet. Over the years , he added several instruments to his repertoire, including, upright and electric bass, drums, bass clarinet and trumpet, before finally choosing to focus his studies on the upright and electric bass at Penn State University. While at Penn State Michael studied under renowned jazz educator Dan Yoder and played in the University’s nationally known big band, Centre Dimensions. He also was a member of the Penn State Symphony and numerous other groups and ensembles.
After leaving Penn State Michael began his career playing professionally in the Philadelphia area. In that time he has performed with numerous different area ensembles, including, The Warminster Symphony Orchestra, Bryn Athyn Orchestra, Bucks County Symphony, Eve Short Penthouse Trio, Jon Lewis Orchestra, and, most notably, a four year run of Friday nights in the Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel with Karen Wilhelm and the Standard Time Trio. Michael has also performed at some of the areas renowned theatres, including, the Society Playhouse and Act II Playhouse.
In the past few years Michael has devoted most of his playing time to the Jump City Orchestra, (www.jumpcityjazz.com) Philadelphia’s hottest jazz ensemble, performing at some of the area’s venerable clubs, including Chris’s Jazz Café, and at private functions in most of the area’s best hotels and other venues.