Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wheeler.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was always a creative person; some of my earliest memories were me reflecting on how much I wanted to “make stuff.” As I got older, I was drawn (rather deeply) to performing arts, particularly singing and acting. This led to musical studies of piano and eventually settled in the realm of music composition. This was my primary ambition throughout my young life and my primary focus in college. I now run a small music school in rural Oregon called “The Jean Bechtel School for Music.” Named after my first piano teacher.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When it comes to my music school, in some ways, the road could not have been clearer. All the things from finding a building to being blessed with exactly the right staff have been remarkably easy. My personal life, though, has had its share of difficulties. My wife passed away suddenly in 2019, followed by enormous upheaval that same year as COVID got going. Through everything, though, blessings abound, and I am grateful to be doing what I am.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of being an instructor and business owner, I publish sheet music through my pen name, “Misha Kolesoski.” It’s mostly piano music, but there are also compositions for small orchestra as well as choir. I’ve been privileged to have my pieces performed by extremely gifted and virtuosic pianists such as Andrea Vivanet and Tim Goss. So far, I’m really proud of the recordings of “Piano Contemplations” by Goss, which you can hear on Spotify.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
“The Consolation of Philosophy” is my go-to book for when life is troubling me. The amount of perspective and wisdom crammed into its pages is astounding. For more contemporary stuff, I’m a fan of political podcasts, but going down that rabbit hole is sure to put off fifty percent of your readers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bechtelschool.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BechtelSchool
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeanBechtelSchool
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jean-bechtel-school-for-music-no-title
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/misha-kolesoski
Image Credits
Michael Sullivan, The News Review (Roseburg, Oregon)
