Matt Michaels, 79, may be the most beloved music instructor Detroit ever has known. He could have gone anywhere, recorded anything. The master player, sterling accompanist, and wizard at arranging and writing charts for bands and orchestras died Wednesday. Continue to full article here

I was privileged to study with Matt for a few years. He had amazing ways of breaking down jazz harmony and taught me some invaluable shortcuts and tricks on how to approach arranging and playing. Now more than ever as I mature as a musician, I realize how valuable his advices and concepts were. R.I.P. Matt. Mitch Albom did a fantastic job capturing what Matt was like, a great read on a great man!