Michael J. Bernabe

Michael Bernabe is a pianist, arranger, and musical director whose work spans jazz, pop, classical, Broadway, R&B, neo-soul, and contemporary vocal music. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with an internationally recognized range of artists across these genres, including Bernie Williams, Randy Brecker, Eddie Palmieri, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Stevie Mackey, Ari Hoenig, Sean Jones, Victor Lewis, John Benítez, Craig Handy, Roger Humphries, Poogie Bell, Renee Manning, Earl McIntyre, Jonathan Tetelman, and Haley Swindal.

His performance credits include appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Blue Note Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Boston's Symphony Hall, and Chicago's Orchestra Hall, with additional performances throughout the United States and internationally, including Japan.

Originally trained in classical piano through the Suzuki method, Michael attended the American Boychoir School, where he performed extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. After entering college, he made a full transition into jazz, shaping the direction of his artistic voice and professional career. He holds degrees from Duquesne University and Rutgers University and spent several years performing in the New York City and Philadelphia jazz scenes.

Now based in Pittsburgh, Michael is deeply embedded in the local music community and performs regularly with many of the city’s leading musicians, including Dwayne Dolphin, Reggie Watkins, Paul Thompson, Tony Campbell, James Johnson III, George Heid III, Hugo Cruz, Brian Edwards, Eric DeFade, and Mike Tomaro. He remains active across multiple scenes, including jazz, R&B, neo-soul, pop, and salsa.

In addition to his performance work, Michael is a co-founder and director of M&M Music alongside his wife, Martina Caruso, where they combine active artistic careers with teaching, mentorship, and leadership in music education.

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