Grammy nominated Trumpeter/composer, Michael Rodriguez was born on July 14, 1979 in Queens, New York. Michael was inspired to pursue music as a career by his father. Michael studied at the New World school of the Arts in Miami, Florida and continued his studies at the University of Miami. After completing two years at the University of Miami, he decided to transfer to the New School University in New York where he received his B.A. Michael has performed with Clark Terry, Bobby Watson, Quincy Jones, Joe Lovano, Toshiko Akiyoshi Orchestra, Chico O'farill Orchestra, Lincoln Center Orchestra , Pop Icon Jessica Simpson, and has traveled with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Carla Bley Band, Harry Conick jr., Eddie Palmieri Septet, Lincoln Center Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra, Bob Minzter and currently with The Charlie Haden Liberation Orchestra. In December of 2003 Michael recorded on Charlie Haden's Grammy Award winning Land of the Sun album featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Joe Lovano. Michael has also recorded on Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra album, which was released in Aug.05, entitled Not In our Name and is featured on America the Beautiful and Dvorjac Going Home. Michael Co-leads a group with his brother pianist Robert Rodriguez and has 4 recordings as the Rodriguez brothers. The most recent recording entitled "Impromptu" was nominated for a Grammy in 2016. Michael is currently Faculty at NYU. weblinks: