CLS: How Music & Creativity Impact the Human Experience

“How Music & Creativity Impact the Human Experience”
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, July 25 | Orchestra Hall 

Join Michael Shirtz for a presentation examining the engagement in music therapy and exploring methods of creativity in our lives. Why are these experiences essential in establishing a mindful presence in the human soul? Through stories, examples, and discussion, Shirtz will share how music and creativity generate a response that calms, connects, and creates our human experience.

Michael Shirtz, a performer, producer, composer and conductor, is known for his versatility with jazz, contemporary and classical music. Credited as a “songsmith” for his vocal interpretations and arrangements, Shirtz is an active singer, vocal coach and music director for educational, repertory theatre, collegiate and pops music productions. He has served on the faculty of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University, American Music Academy, Music Faculty Chair and Dean of Business, Arts & Communications at Terra State Community College, guest director with Pellissippi State College, and Associate Director/Project Manager of the Tri-C JazzFest. Through education, he has focused on the methods of creativity, innovation and performing arts to build cultural enrichment and opportunities of economic and community development. Currently, he teaches music composition and arts entrepreneurship at the Heidelberg University School of Music & Theatre, conductor of the Symphony Chorale and Firelands Symphony School of Music, and artistic producer of the Jazz@8 Series presenting jazz concerts and workshops with artists-in-schools programs.