Opera coach and chorus master, The Julliard School of Music

Michael Baitzer received two different bachelor's degrees from Drake in 1994 and 1995 in vocal and piano performance, respectively. He then continued studies in piano accompaniment with John Moriarty and Margo Garrett at the University of Minnesota and New England Conservatory. During that time, he was an opera fellowship pianist at The Aspen Music Festival in 1997 and The Merola Opera Program with San Francisco Opera in 1998. He then went on to become a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio Program in 1998-99. He also started work as an Assistant Conductor with Central City Opera in the summer of 1999, a position which he held for six seasons. In the fall of 1999, Michael joined the faculty of The Juilliard School as an Associate Coach. He then joined the Music Staff of Spoleto Festival USA in 2000. Then in the fall of 2004, he joined the Music Staff of Washington National Opera in DC, and during that time was also appointed to full faculty at The Juilliard School. Currently he serves these positions as well as now joining the Music Faculty at The Aspen Music Festival in the summer of 2005. An avid recitalist, Michael is on the rosters of both the Marilyn Horne Foundation and Young Concert Artists, where he has appeared with singers in recitals all over the country, including a Kennedy Center Recital Debut in 2004 on three day's notice. He has played voice lessons for every major teacher in New York, and is in constant demand as a vocal coach and audition pianist, having played auditions for virtually every opera company in North America, as well as maintaining a very large private coaching roster.

In his own words:
"As I look back on my educational background and observe and hear about many other people's background, I am so, so thankful for an institution like Drake University. I clearly see how wonderful the faculty is/was, how many wonderful musical opportunities I was afforded, and all the truly top notch training that I received at Drake University. It was the best place for me to be, and I am thankful every single day for the experiences that I had, musical and personal, that so helped to shape who and how I have become today."