Grammy-nominated trumpeter/composer Michael Rodriguez was born in Queens, New York. Michael was inspired to pursue music as a career by his father, Roberto Rodriguez, who is a drummer. 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 is currently a faculty member at the New York University Jazz Department. He has performed and toured with Clark Terry, Bobby Watson, Quincy Jones, Joe Lovano, Toshiko Akiyoshi Orchestra, pop icon Jessica Simpson, Chico O'farill Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and is a member of Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra. Michael has also performed and traveled with Jon Faddis and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Carla Bley Band and Quintet, The Clayton Brothers, Kenny Baron's Quintet, Conrad Herwig Latin Side Projects, Clayton Brothers Quintet, Harry Conick Jr., Bob Mintzer, Eddie Palmieri Septet, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra, amoung others. In December of 2003 Michael recorded on Charlie Haden's Grammy award-winning album featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Joe Lovano entitled Land of the Sun. Michael has also recorded on Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra's album entitled Not in Our Name and is featured on "America the Beautiful" and Dvojak's "Going Home". In 2008, Michael became a member of the Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quintet and recorded Avatar under the Blue Note Label.
Michael and his brother, pianist Robert Rodriguez, have recorded four albums together Introducing the Rodriguez Brothers, Conversations, Mood Swing and Grammy nominated Impromptu. In March of 2013, he released his debut solo recording under the CrissCross label entittled Reverence.
Michael is currently on the faculty at NYU as professor of trumpet and travels the globe as a clinician.
