Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Goldberg.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. I’m a physician by trade and certainly never expected to be composing music or even learning to play the piano. Aside from a brief stint in third grade when I brought home a trumpet—I still feel sorry for my mother—I’ve never had formal musical training. Still, I’ve always loved a wide range of music. I vividly remember being about five or six, playing Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens on our little record player.
In the fall of 2022, during the pandemic, I wanted a new challenge. So, I bought an electronic keyboard, found a piano teacher, and decided to learn. Learning piano at fifty-six certainly comes with its challenges, but I’ve loved every step of the process. I’m fortunate to study with the wonderful Misha Stefanuk—a jazz great with a classical background. He knows exactly how to be both challenging and supportive, always giving just the right nudge at the right time.
About a year into lessons, something unexpected happened: ideas started to flow, and I began composing and recording my own music. The process is hard to describe—it feels as if something flows through you and onto the page. There’s certainly work involved, but there’s also a mysterious element of surprise, where things fall beautifully into place. It’s a gift I deeply appreciate.
Today, I have a studio in our home where I record my music and collaborate with incredible artists around the world: Peter Voronov (violin/viola), Rich Gray (bass and guitar, UK), Fabio Alessandrini (drums, Italy), Luca Zara (audio engineering, mixing and mastering, Italy), and Sam Scott-Thorne (vocalist, coach, and graphic artist—he created the cover art for my first album, Carnival of Lights). I’ve also been inspired by artists like Michiel Borstlap, Bruce Blackman (Starbuck), Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra), and Bryan Glutting (Cognitive Dissonance).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Overall, yes—but it’s taken steady determination and consistent practice to get here. As with anything worthwhile, there’s always some inertia to overcome. You learn to move with the rhythm of life instead of fighting it. There are days—and sometimes weeks—when you just want to take it easy, but even spending ten or fifteen minutes at the piano keeps the momentum alive.
Life brings its own seasons of change. I lost my mother last year, and part of my healing process was composing Passage.It became a kind of catharsis—an emotional outpouring through the keys that helped me find peace in the middle of grief. The result was something beautiful and lasting to hold onto.
And I still joke with my wife that this is the year I’m finally going to learn how to play the piano. 🙂
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Please tell us more about your professional life and career (Artist / Creative). While creating music is one of the things I enjoy most, I recognize that I’m still a student—learning from the professionals. I’m also fortunate to love my “day job,” which exists in a completely different world. The contrast between my professional and creative lives adds a kind of balance to everything I do. The creative engagement in learning and composing music renews and inspires my commitment to medicine and the patients I’m privileged to serve.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to you? Why? Finally, an easy question. 😊
My family—and my family of faith—mean the most to me. Without them, no accomplishment would carry much meaning. My wife and I deeply enjoy our volunteer ministry; it’s something we get to do together, and it keeps us focused on what truly matters.
At home, our two little rescue pups, Mattie and Poppy, fill the house with energy and laughter (along with leaves—and, hopefully, no more dried lizards).
While I love collaborating with artists around the world and connecting with listeners who enjoy my work, life would feel empty without loved ones to share it all with.
Pricing:
- Is there any pricing information that is relevant to our readers? I don’t have pricing information to share, but I’m always open to collaboration. Whether it’s another artist, producer, or creative project that aligns with the music I’m making, I welcome those opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WarpleBunny.com
- Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCOUVwI1S1OscgZrVsLq-okw
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bL63AJNUcNuH9DSDYqhTO?si=Q9ULZ-11Rl6z0PNKiBlBJQ
Image Credits
Image Credits: Michael Goldberg, Warple Bunny Studios
