Michael Hill holds degrees in Viola Performance (BM, MM) and Viola Pedagogy (MM) from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio and the University of Louisville. Michael’s studies have taken him from the mountains of Aspen to the scenic landscape of Tuscany, and many places in between, attending workshops and institutes to continue his studies as an educator and musician.

During his studies he performed as an orchestral and chamber musician at the Aspen Musical Festival and School and as principal violist with the Opera and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy. As a Baroque violist, Michael regularly performed with Bourbon Baroque (Louisville, KY) learning Baroque style and repertoire alongside one of the ensemble's founders, Nico Fortin. He has been invited to perform in programs with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra's Winter Institute and the Berwick Academy at the Oregon Bach Festival. He is currently a member of the viola section of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and principal violist for the Lexington Chamber Orchestra and frequently joins other orchestra and chamber music performances throughout the region including Lexington, Louisville, and Chattanooga Symphonies. Michael enjoys a diverse career as a violinist and violist and has performed for Kentucky Opera, Broadway Across America, local musical productions, the Louisville Ballet, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Boccelli, Hanson, Two Cellos, The Eagles, and more.

Michael is also a dedicated educator and has completed long-term teacher training for Suzuki violin and additional studies in viola. Karen Tuttle’s Coordination and methods for viola performance and teaching have also shaped his education and teaching methods through workshops and masterclasses. He has taught viola, chamber music, and viola literature at the University of Louisville, violin at Georgetown College and Western Kentucky University. He teaches a private studio of enthusiastic violinists and violists of all ages in his home in Louisville, KY. Michael regularly visits local schools for sectionals, chamber music coaching, and performances and demonstrations. Michael has been a guest for masterclasses for college and pre-college students in Louisville and surrounding areas as well as a guest judge for competitions. He has collaborated on recitals and recording projects with several performers and composers in the area.  In his spare time Michael enjoys exploring the city of Louisville and spending time at home trying new vegan-friendly recipes and gardening with his husband Nick and the help of their cat Poppy.