Shirtz believes that education is key to advancing society and driving the development of the arts and one's quality of life. Teaching and sharing with others is a mission of both Michael and his wife Pamela as they are active in promoting education and community enrichment through the arts on various boards and organizations. 

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Michael has served on the vocal and jazz faculty of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University, American Music Academy, and was the lead faculty and assistant professor of music/director of choral activities at Terra State Community College in Fremont, Ohio. While at Terra State, Shirtz served as Dean of Business, Communications, and the Arts from 2012-2014. In his tenure as faculty and dean at Terra State, Shirtz worked to develop the college's recording studio complex and arts center for professional training/job-based educational opportunities in production and music business for students entering into music and arts careers. His work in pairing the business and arts communities together for the advancement of economic development, as well as founding the Northcoast Arts Alliance, earned him the 2015 Distinguished Service Award from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his teaching positions, Shirtz has taught master classes and seminars in music and voice for The Ohio State University, Bluffton University, BGSU Firelands College, and Pellissippi State College.

 

Michael holds a Bachelors of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Capital University and Masters of Music in Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles. Michael is a member of the Jazz Education Network where he serves as the chair of development and associate conference coordinator, a partner with S&S Arts Strategies, and a frequent speaker on enhancing arts in education and developing the creative economy.

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To book Michael Shirtz to speak or do a seminar/clinic with your organization, please click here to contact OCM Productions or email: organizedchaosmusicllc@gmail.com