Biography

Michael Finlay is a distinguished concert pianist and chamber musician, and a recipient of The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award. Acclaimed for his “profound expressive depth” and “impressive technical command”, he maintains an active international schedule with recent performances in Catania (Italy), Montreal, Toronto, Austin, San Antonio, Denver, and Atlanta. His concerts have been featured on classical radio stations in Austin, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Montreal.

A frequent concerto soloist, Finlay has appeared with the musicians of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Harper Symphony Orchestra, and Corda Harmonia. As a passionate chamber musician, he has collaborated with members of the Cleveland, Chicago, and Montreal Symphony Orchestras, as well as with artists from the Catalyst, Kontras, and Koerner quartets.

Upcoming projects include a filmed performance of the complete Beethoven violin sonatas with Denver-based violinist Byron Hitchcock, and a solo album featuring Liszt’s Sonata in B minor.

In addition to his performing career, Finlay is an active educator. He serves on the faculties of the Interlochen Arts Camp, DePaul University Community Music Division, Northeastern Illinois University, and the Reinhardt Piano Festival and Academy. He is also the creator of The Finlay Method, a scientific and artistic approach to piano playing that blends biomechanics, physiology, and musical intention. Designed to prevent injury and promote expressive freedom, the method has been featured in USA News and is steadily earning attention among pianists and educators.

Finlay is also an in-demand clinician and presenter, having shared his pedagogical work and artistic insights at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Chapman University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He began his studies with Kathryn Mishell in Austin, Texas, and at age 15 left home to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy on full scholarship. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Paul Schenly, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and Kathryn Brown; a Master’s at the Peabody Conservatory with Yong Hi Moon; and a Doctorate at the University of Montreal under Marc Durand.