Next person biography:
Jeffrey Michael, a renowned composer, pianist, and recording artist, has achieved remarkable success in his career. With over 2 million CD's and downloads sold, as well as over 1 billion online music streams worldwide, Jeffrey has built a global following through his self-promotion strategy and record label, Fireheart Music.
Born in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Jeffrey's musical journey began at a young age. At just 2 years old, he would bang on his Great Grandmother's piano, a habit that continued even after her passing in 1983. Jeffrey's mother initially discouraged him from playing the piano, fearing damage to the instrument. However, Jeffrey disobeyed her and began playing by ear at the age of 6, eventually composing his own music by 11.
Despite not reading music, Jeffrey developed a unique shorthand system as a child prodigy, which he still uses today. His musical influences include George Winston, David Lanz, Hans Zimmer, James Horner, John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, and Thomas Newman.
A turning point in Jeffrey's life came at age 15, when he broke his right hand and had to relearn how to play the piano with his left hand. This experience not only developed his dexterous two-hand counterpoint melodies but also gave him a newfound appreciation for his left hand.
Jeffrey's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. At 15, he borrowed $1,000 from his father, recorded his compositions, and began selling them in his high school. Within two weeks, he had paid his father back, and the following year, he released another recording. By the time he graduated, he had sold 5,000 cassettes of instrumental piano music.
In 1996, Jeffrey founded Fireheart Music, which has since grown into an independent record label and music production company. Under the Fireheart Label, he has released 18 CD's and over 130 piano compilations worldwide, specializing in music for relaxation.
Jeffrey's passion for film music led him to compose music for independent films, TV shows, and video games. Although he was initially rejected from Berklee College of Music due to his lack of formal music training, he went on to gain experience composing music for University of Michigan film school films and local indie feature films.
In 2006, Jeffrey relocated to the Los Angeles area, where he has since composed music for numerous films, TV shows, and video games. His credits include the "Call of Duty: Black Ops III" video game, "The Girl On The Train" movie trailer, "London Has Fallen" feature film, and many more.
In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys playing the guitar, screenwriting, painting, traveling, golf, and soccer. He currently resides in Rolling Hills Estates, California with his wife and three children.
