About Michael Opitz

Atlanta-based saxophonist Michael Opitz is a versatile musician equally at home in a jazz big band, the orchestra pit, or a Rhythm and Blues group. Thus far, Michael has appeared with a number of artists including Tim Armacost, Todd Williams, Geof Bradfield, Carl Allen, Wycliffe Gordon, and Chantae Cann. As a sideman, Michael has appeared frequently in the Joe Gransden Big Band, the Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra, and the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Jazz Ensemble. During his time studying at Kennesaw State University, Michael was able to travel to Italy, as well as perform at a wide variety of jazz clubs including Café 290, Churchill Grounds, the Velvet Note, and the Blue Note in New York. As an educator, Michael has taught clinics at numerous high schools and middle schools in Atlanta, as well as serving on faculty at the Atlanta International School and Reinhardt University as a woodwind instructor. Michael received his Master’s in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University in 2021 and currently teaches privately while performing around the metro-Atlanta area.

When I teach, my main focus is to foster creative, personal, and intellectual growth, while nurturing a healthy sense of curiosity and a strong work ethic. By exposing students to a wide variety of artists and genres, students gain perspective and insight into other ideas and cultures that they might not otherwise be exposed to. Through a gentle emphasis placed on sound, technique, and an all-around solid foundation on the instrument, students learn how to work towards something and see tangible results, leading to an appreciation of goal setting and the necessity of hard work. I am a firm believer in the idea that what makes a good musician makes for an excellent person.