MICHI MATSUMURA

Guitarist, composer and producer

(ASCAP member)

Michi was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. He began piano lessons at the age of 7. In elementary school, he developed an interest in rock and roll and pop music from his older brother, who listened to groups like the Beatles.

At the age of 12 year Michi developed an interest in the guitar and started taking lessons.
In junior high school, Michi created his first band and exceled at the guitar. It was at this time that Michi’s interest in Jazz grew.

While in college, he formed another band and continued his progressive trend toward American Jazz.
After graduating from college, Michi entered The Musashino Music Institute to study the jazz guitar.
While enrolled at the Musashino Music Institute a sister school relationship was formed with the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, Califonia. Michi travels to America in 1984 as a special scholar at the Dick Grove School of Music.

After graduation, Michi remained in Los Angeles, California, performing for the first time live in America. During this time, Michi also worked on developing his skills as a Jazz guitarist by performing at various venues and also by teaching.

In 1986 Michi moved to New York to further his studies in Jazz. While in New York, he studied under such Jazz greats as Haruhiko “Haru” Takauchi and Rodney Jones. Michi also gained more session experiences and greatly enhanced his composition and musical arrangement skills.

In 1990 Michi returned to Los Angeles, as a instructor and teacher of the guitar.In 1991 Michi established Michi Productions in Los Angeles. It was also during this time that Michi’s years of training, and education paid off. He formed band and performed at various live sessions, and had television and radio appearances.

In 2007, Michi’s first album " NY to LA " was announced.