Toronto-native Michael Shand has already spent well over half his life playing music.
He began piano lessons at the age of 13 and progressed quickly through the Royal Conservatory of Music’s classical system, completing grade ten after a span of only four years. However like so many young players who define this unique generation, raised in an era of unprecedented musical diversity and accessibility, Michael exhibits a creative energy that encompasses many genres.
Shortly after leaving York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and the coveted Oscar Peterson Scholarship Award, Michael became pianist and musical director for “Kollage”. He has dazzled audiences in Hong Kong, Paris, Jakarta, Dubais, Amsterdam, London and throughout North America with such artists as Molly Johnson, Divine Brown, Glenn Lewis, Gerald Eaton of the Philosopher Kings, Jully Black, Jacksoul and Kardinal, jazz-crooner Matt Dusk, new R and B diva Kreesha Turner and powerhouse jazz-vocalist, DK Ibomeka for whom Michael also serves as musical director.