Michael Hill, violist and violinist, is in demand as a performer and educator on both modern and Baroque instruments. Michael joined 7HB’s leadership team in 2024, overseeing much of the ensemble’s donor relations and stewardship projects.

Michael has performed as an orchestral and chamber musician at the Aspen Musical Festival and School and as principal violist with the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy.  An early music enthusiast, much knowledge was gained from Nico Fortin, founding member of Bourbon Baroque, and he has been accepted to Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra's winter institute and the Berwick Academy at the Oregon Bach Festival. He is currently a member of the viola section in the Chattanooga Symphony & opera, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, and principal violist for the Lexington Chamber Orchestra and regularly performs as a guest musician for Louisville Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic, Lexington Philharmonic, and other orchestras near and far.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael began his viola studies at the age of seventeen and continued his education with Masao Kawasaki and Dr. Catharine Carroll earning a Bachelor of Music at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Moving to Louisville, Michael completed a Master of Music at the University of Louisville’s School of Music with Dr. Chien-Ju Liao and Dr. Yen-Ting Wu. He was a member of the Graduate String Quartet and also served as principal viola and teaching assistant to the viola studio throughout the program. He served as principal viola for the KMEA Intercollegiate All-State Orchestra, and has appeared as a guest soloist for KMEA.

He teaches a private studio of enthusiastic violinists and violists of all ages, and visits local schools regularly 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 various youth 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 the help of his cat Poppy.