Born and raised in Minnesota, Michael Chu is both an active performer and music educator. Coming from a diverse musical education including violin, piano, trumpet, and saxophone, Michael enjoys drawing inspiration from many different influences and cultures. He actively seeks to expand his knowledge and understanding of both historical and contemporary styles, respecting traditions while embracing new directions. 

Michael is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he received his B.M. in Violin Performance and Music Education as a student of Sally O’Reilly. He later went on to receive his M.M. in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a student of Chen Zhao. Other influential teachers have included Catherine Van Hoesen, Aaron Janse, and Blayne Barnes. 

Michael has placed in numerous competitions, including first prize in the Mary West Symphony Solo Competition, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Youth Chamber Music Competition, Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition, Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition, and was a National Finalist in the MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition. Michael also plays with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and has previously played as a Substitute Violinist in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and as a Substitute Concertmaster for both the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra and Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra.