Michael Nicolella — Adjunct ; Adjuct, Cornish College of the Arts ; Cornish College of the Arts ; Areas of Expertise: Guitar .

Recognized as one of America's most innovative guitarists, Michael has been described by Guitar Player magazine as a: “classical iconoclast, (who) continues to push the boundaries of the genre as both a composer and player,” by the Washington Post as: “An artist with eclectic tastes and a contemplative bent…extraordinary…powerful” and by Classical Guitar magazine as “one of the contemporary guitar’s most gifted stars.” He has performed throughout North America, Europe and Japan as solo recitalist, chamber musician and soloist with orchestra. His work as both a classical and electric guitarist prompted Gramophone magazine to state: "Others have 'crossed the track' in one direction or the other but none has done so with the technical and/or musical success as Nicolella.” As a composer, he frequently programs his own music for guitar in solo, chamber and orchestral settings. Michael's recordings span from his arrangement of the Complete Bach Cello Suites, to albums of contemporary music for classical and electric guitar. He has performed with a wide range of groups including: Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Seattle Opera, Northwest Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Symphony Tacoma, as well as in over one hundred concerts with the Seattle Symphony.