Michael Ervin was born in Galesburg, Illinois on March 25, 1977. Though his parents were not musical, they insisted that their five children each learn two instruments. Michael began piano lessons at age 7 and trombone lessons at age 12. His interest in music did not become intense until he was age 14. Before this, his interest in computers was stronger, but when he and his friend, Trajan McGill, wrote a computer game, Michael began composing theme music. Trajan realized that this music was too inspired to remain in a computer game, so Michael continued to develop his musical ability. At age 17, Michael took up the study of the violin. His progress was considerable, but he all he really wanted was an insight into a string instrument. He already had the brass and keyboard experience.

His high school career in music was stifled due to an extremely small music program. During his sophomore year, his band contained only 12 members. He continued to study his instruments and listen to abundances of music by the master composers. A revitalization occurred during his junior and senior year because of a new director. Mr. Paul Neilsen taught music with great enthusiasm and skill. During one of Michael's study halls, Mr. Neilsen offered a voluntary music theory class. Michael gladly accepted this class and began his "formal" instruction in music theory. The final project was a composition for band which was performed at the spring concert. Michael composed "Norse Overture" which was his first publicly performed work. During that year, he was also named to the McHenry County Honors Band, received the schools departmental award in music, and won the Woodstock Fine-Arts Scholarship. Michael performed on the piano and "Sorrow" was played at the concert for scholarship winners.

His current place of study is the Univeristy of Chicago. Professor Easley Blackwood is his current instructor in music theory. Prof. Blackwood was taught by such legendary figures as Olivier Messiaen, Paul Hindemith, and Nadia Boulanger. He also had strong relations with Aaron Copland. Michael does not believe that the future of music is atonality, which is strongly agreed upon by Prof. Blackwood, who has turned back to tonal composition in the last 17 years due to his study of microtonal tunings and decades-long study of traditional harmony. Prof. Blackwood's fifth symphony was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Michael encourages people to listen to it.

Michael is grateful for his present position at the University and its exciting musical opportunities. He continues to study his instruments, yet is still undecided as to a major.

His compositions range from the serious to the strange and humorous. He feels that music should have some humor in it once in a while as shown by his Aukward Suite. He also feels that masterpieces are made only when they are understood by an audience. If the piece is not enjoyable and understandable, then it is only for the composer. Michael agrees with Prof. Blackwood who states, "No matter how you look at it, classical music is simply high class entertainment."

If you would like to email Mr. Ervin and express your gratitude for his music, click here: Michael Ervin.
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