We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Wall and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
True joy for me is spending time with my family and being in the moment; it almost doesn’t matter what we are doing. Fall weekends are filled with soccer, church, and outdoor activities and, this past weekend, I was able to enjoy all three. I watched my daughters play soccer on a gorgeous afternoon; then we went to our church’s carnival for some fried Oreos, and we ended the evening watching a local town’s fireworks. It was an amazing day. Quality time with my family–that’s when I feel true joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator based in the NYC-metro area.
Having spent over two decades performing, composing, arranging, conducting, and teaching music, my debut album, Coming Home, marked a shift in direction, drawing on my core musical experiences. My music is contemporary yet infused with influences from classical and minimalist traditions. The pieces for piano and strings range from mellow and meditative to rich and multidimensional, transporting listeners to spaces of discovery and contemplative beauty.
Since we last spoke, I’ve been deeply immersed in composing. I’m currently in the final mixing and mastering stages of my second album, Indigo, and have already begun writing for a third project. Along the way, I had the honor of winning Roberto Cacciapaglia’s international contest The Future, which led to a performance at the historic Teatro Romano in Fiesole, Italy. It was a milestone moment—made even more special because I was able to share the experience with my family as we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with travels through Paris, Florence, Rome, and Vatican City.
This season of creativity has been both grounding and expansive, as I continue to balance composing and performing with my work as a full-time music educator. Teaching remains a vital part of my practice—it keeps me connected to the next generation of musicians while fueling my own artistry.
Outside of music, I find inspiration in movement and nature: running, hiking, and spending time by the ocean. These rhythms beyond the studio often shape the textures and moods of my compositions.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I love this question. For me, the part that has served its purpose and must now be released is the old desire to play it safe. When I was younger, I leaned too heavily on caution—sometimes to my own detriment. That mindset may have protected me then, but it’s no longer serving me now.
I’m 45, and in some ways a late bloomer, but this is the season to fully step into who I am and who I want to become. It’s time to stop letting the world define my limits—and especially to stop setting limits on myself.
As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that old versions of me are like sweaters that just don’t fit anymore. They weren’t bad; they simply don’t belong to me now. So moving forward, anything that doesn’t align with the truest version of myself has to fall away. It’s time
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self what I tell all young artists: Make your art. Be true to yourself. Keep creating, no matter what others think. Love your work, love yourself, and never forget—you are enough, just as you are.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! The version of me you see on stage—or when I meet people—is the real me. Life is too short to be fake; I don’t have time for that. One of the things I love most about performing (and traveling, which is another passion of mine) is the chance to connect with people in real, genuine ways.
When I show up to share my music and you take time out of your busy day to listen–that’s something worth acknowledging. Thank you for showing up. Out of the million places we could all be, we’ve chosen to be here together in this moment. We’re all busy people, but we’re all looking for meaningful, positive experiences—and there’s a special energy in that choice.
You can’t really tap into that energy unless you’re being yourself. So what you see with me is what you get
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I think about this idea a lot.
In the end, we are all stories. Most of them, in time, grow quiet and fade, like voices carried away on the wind. Few of us can recall the full lives of our great-grandparents, yet we know they were here, and their presence shaped us in ways seen and unseen.
When my story is finished, I don’t wish to be remembered for fame or legacy. I hope instead that those who knew me will say: He was kind. He tried to do the right thing. He loved his family, he cared for his friends, and he met others with generosity of spirit.
If that is the story carried forward—simple, honest, human—that will be more than enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwallmusic/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MichaelWallMusc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWallMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelWallMusic
Image Credits
Jennifer Kingma Wall
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
