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All Music Guide:
A protégé of minimalist godfather La Monte Young, this conservatory-trained pianist and composer successfully mixes classical, jazz, and ethnic influences into his music. Harrison also works extensively with alternate tuning systems and invented what he calls the "harmonic piano." This instrument is capable of playing 24 notes per octave (as opposed to the standard 12). The strings are also designed to resonate sympathetically like those of a sitar.
Wikipedia:
Michael Allen Harrison is an American New Age musician, songwriter and pianist from Portland, Oregon.
Early years [edit]
Michael started playing the piano at age six. He was prompted by his mother, who thought that playing the piano would help the young Michael to overcome his shyness. Michael attended Parkrose High School in North East Portland He released his first commercially available album, "Tea Court Interlude" in 1986.
Performances [edit]
Harrison performed at the United Nations in 1999, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Israel's independence. Notables for whom he has performed include Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and the 14th Dalai Lama. He premiered his children's ballet "The Velveteen Rabbit" with the Vancouver Dance Theater in 1991. He also co-wrote the music for the musical "Prometheus", which was premiered in Portland, Oregon. Michael is the owner of MAH records, on which he has recorded and produced over 50 of his own albums within the 25-year-long lifespan of his career. He recorded and performed with Katie Harmon, and has recorded and performed with local notable musicians which include Tom Grant, Julianne Johnson, and Patrick Lamb.
Philanthropy [edit]
Michael is the founder and president of the Snowman Foundation. The Snowman Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating and providing services for music education. By way of funding this non-profit, Michael organized the Ten Grands concert series, which is presented annually at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon.