ABOUT ME

Composer, Conductor, Musician, Educator

Michael Young is a Hobart based composer, conductor and educator. Michael started his musical journey at St Virgil’s College, learning to play the trumpet. Through his musical studies, Michael developed an interest in composition and woodwind instruments, gradually learning how to play clarinet (mainly thanks to a chance purchase of a clarinet by his father). At the end of year 10, he was awarded the College’s academic medal for music. Although musical studies did not immediately follow after the completion of year 12, Michael joined the Hobart City Band while studying for his Arts degree, playing trumpet/cornet in their concert, brass and big bands while learning the alto saxophone in their development band. The following year, Michael joined Clarence City Band to further his alto saxophone playing, while also still playing with the Hobart City Band ensembles.

 Michael went on to complete his teaching degree (music education specialisation), as well as his music degree (composition major) at the University of Tasmania. Michael studied composition under the guidance of Dr. Maria Grenfell. During this time, he co-directed a new music student ensemble called Note-Aurius. In 2013, Michael was fortunate to be selected for overseas studies with Stephen F Austin State University (Texas), where he studied conducting, banding and instrumental pedagogy under guidance of Fred J. Allen.  Michael was selected for both the Dean of Creative Arts’ honour roll as well as the SFASU President’s honour roll for Fall semester 2013. 

 Michael currently works as a primary school music teacher at Eastside Lutheran College. Michael is currently the Vice President (South) of the Tasmanian Bands League and is actively involved in the Tasmanian community band movement as a musician with Hobart City Band, Clarence City Band and Southern Lights Big Band. He is also the Musical Director (Development) of Clarence City Band, where currently directs the Symphonic Band and small ensembles. He is also a life member of Clarence City Band. Michael has also achieved success as a musician and conductor. He has been awarded both the Tasmanian (TBL) state open woodwind champion of champion title (2016 and 2021) and the Victorian (VBL) state open woodwind champion of champion title (2018). He has led his chamber ensemble Crosswinds to success at local and national eisteddfods, as well as directed the Symphonic Band to two state open D grade concert band titles (2011 and 2012).