About Me
My name is Michael Spicer, and I'm a musician, composer, sound designer currently living is Las Vegas.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, I began my professional musical career with Carnival Cruise Lines in 2010 as a show band saxophonist. After an amazing six years performing with intensely talented individuals, I moved to Vegas to establish my career on solid ground.
I graduated with a Master's in Composition from UNLV in 2018, and began freelancing as a musician, composer, and educator. I subbed regularly on Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood and gigged with the Lucky Devil's Band (Vegas Chapter). I earned my first IMDb credit when I scored Mat Hayes' award-winning film Cognitive, and was thrilled to be hired as an adjunct instructor for UNLV's Jazz and Commercial Music program, teaching private jazz improvisation and composition lessons.
When I came across Winnifred Phillip's book A Composer's Guide to Game Music, my eyes were opened to the world of non-linear writing and the potential of writing music for video games. I began attending International Game Developer's Association meetups and participating in game jams as a composer, and from here went down the rabbit hole of sound design.
Since 2019 I've designed sound and composed music for filmmakers, podcasters, Youtubers and game developers. Leveraging my ability to work remotely, I continue to expand my home recording studio and audio capabilities with the intention of delivering an ever-improving audio product to my clients.
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Testimonials
“Michael is a wonderful saxophonist and musician who is also an incredible writer and arranger. His skills are strong and diverse. On top of that, he is a wonderful person to work with!”
-Nathan Tanouye, UNLV faculty, trombonist for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Celine Dion, and Santa Fe and the Phat City Horns.
"Michael is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist. Whether on saxophone or doubles (clarinet/flute), he’s great to have on the bandstand as a top-call musician in Las Vegas."
-Aaron Tully, bassist and bandleader for the Lucky Devils Band.
"Not only is Michael an excellent player, arranger and composer, he is also a well-organized, knowledgeable, and patient teacher who is very clear in his presentation and pacing of the material. He is very personable and is able to put his students at ease as they progress through the lessons."
-Bart DiBartolo, private saxophone student.
"Michael has been working with my students for two years, and the results have been outstanding. The students respond well to his teaching techniques and look forward to working with him."
-Will Daines, Band Director at Thurman White Academy.
"Michael has continuously displayed a devoted passion for increasing his knowledge and performing both in musical and in administrative settings that are rare in many young performers and educators of today always consistently seeking to better develop his individual voice and skillsets."
-Adam Schroeder, UNLV faculty, Baritone Saxophonist.