A Diné performer/educator/composer of Chamber Music, Experimental Sound, Native American Flute, and Metal music, Michael Begay is a guitarist and bassist, but also plays piano, and various instruments both Native American and orchestral.

A graduate of the Grand Canyon Music Festival’s Native American Composer’s Apprentice Project (NACAP), Mr. Begay has studied under both Native and nonnative American Composers: Brent Michael Davids (Mohican), David Mallamud, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw), Libby Larson, Raven Chacon (Diné), and Oscar Bettison.

Originally based on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona, Michael moved to Baltimore, Maryland, after being accepted to The Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute of Music, to further his studies in music composition. Michael Begay has studied music composition in the studio of Oscar Bettison at Peabody and is currently working on various compositions ranging from Chamber Music, Film, Electronic Ensemble, Solo and Orchestral works.

Recent activities include: Co-Composer and Music Director for Documentary, “Navajo Police – Class 57” due for release on HBO MAX;  Composer for the documentary, “Look For Me” soon to be released at Sundance Film Festival; Experimental Improvisation album released, “Dark Red Skies” Michael Begay/Thollem McDonnas; 2023 Fall Concertia HTX Houston Texas, Sound installation; 2023 Fall Premiere of new commissioned work for Chatter in Albuquerque, NM. 

He was a Native Arts and Cultures Foundation 2021 Shift Award recipient, alongside Raven Chacon. He has been a NACAP composer-in-residence since 2006.