MICHAEL LEMMA

Michael Lemma counts himself fortunate to have a life in music- teaching, performing, listening, and helping others reach their goals. He is grateful for the gifts that music lends to humanity and truly believes it can affect the lives around us. Michael has been Director of Music at a New Jersey magnet high school since 1994 where he established the nationally recognized program. He earned a Master of Arts degree in music from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Keene State College. He continues to perform in numerous venues from weddings to festivals. Highlights include Vivaldi's Mandolin Concerto in C with the North Jersey Philharmonic and Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children. Michael also presents educational clinics promoting the value of plucked string music in school music programs. His workshops have been enthusiastically received by organizations such as the American String Teachers Association, Classical Mandolin Society of America, and MENC The National Association of Music Education. He was a member of the New York Mandolin Orchestra, and Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, and Director of National Guitar Workshop campuses throughout the United States. Michael is the founder and director of the New Jersey Guitar & Mandolin Society. Michael's students have been accepted to all levels of local and national honors ensembles, and study music at the nation's top universities. He has adjudicated for All-State Band/Orchestra festivals since 1994 and was Educational Adviser to the North Jersey Philharmonic, where he collaborated on projects that foster an appreciation for classical music. He has received grants from the Plucked String Foundation, Classical Mandolin Society of America, and NJ State Council of the Arts. Michael credits his many associations with musicians, teachers, students, songwriters, friends, and family who have taught him much throughout the years.