Your friendly neighborhood, super animated, music superhero is a multi- instrumentalist from Metuchen NJ. Michael is an active performer, composer, producer, and engineer. As a child he attended rehearsals with his father (a professional drummer) and joined his parents at vocal rehearsals and musical gatherings. His family is no doubt his main influence. Michael began hiding out spinning records on a Fisher Price record player at age 3.

His own experiences with music as a child aids his pursuit of reaching children at their level, with the power of music and drama. His infectious energy and understanding of children is embraced by families and educators alike. During Michael's two year tenure as Music Specialist at the Blue Man Creativity Center he taught music to children from ages 2-8.

MICHAEL AND THE BLUE SCHOOL: In 2009 Michael was hired by Chris Wink (Co-Creator of Blue Man Group) to pioneer a music program at The Blue Man Creativity Center in NYC. The school bases it's pedagogy on the Reggio Emilia Approach. Michael had the opportunity to study this approach as well as meet with, and be observed by, the principal figures in this movement. Michael brings this knowledge and his own appreciation of the Responsive Classroom Approach, to Preschool of Rock.

MICHAEL AND BLUE MAN GROUP: Michael worked with Blue Man Group in the Creative Production Department from 1999-2007. He worked closely with the Founders of Blue Man Group in the music, sound and research and development departments during a period of dramatic growth and creativity. Michael's experiences with Blue Man, traveling the world, and collaborating with world renown artists, has had a major impact on Preschool Of Rock's props, instruments and recordings.

WORK EXPERIENCE: The Complex (recordings, videos and tour), Robots Soundtrack, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Craig Killborn Live, The Grammies, Regis and Kelly, Coachella Festival, Blue Man Group - Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Boston, Berlin. From 2008-2010 Michael held the position of Lead House Sound Engineer at Blue Man Group's Astor Place Theater and later as a Sound Engineer at Dizzies at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

JENN HYJACK, mother, instructor:
Yay! ... Elias LOVES Jenn and those shakers! - Kate (Jersey City)

Mom, actor and New Jersey native Jenn Hyjack teaches at preschools and daycare centers all over Brooklyn. She received her BA from Rutgers University and MFA in acting from the Actors Studio Drama School. After working as a Production Director in television for many years, Jenn found a much more rewarding and joyful job of playing music and teaching children. Jenn produced, wrote and starred in her own kids TV pilot, Boom Chicka Boom. You can watch it at www.boomchickaboom.tv. She is thrilled to be rockin' with Preschool of Rock!

ANDY McCARTHY, big bro, instructor:
We had such a great time! Andy was awesome and he did such a great job! Thanks so much. - Jess (Tinton Falls)

This musician, actor and composer born and raised in New York is educated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production at Hofstra University. Andy is an active touring musician and a teacher's assistant and the New York Film Academy. He plays guitar and sings in two bands out of Brooklyn, NY. His primary source of inspiration are his younger siblings. Andy enjoyed many years of playing music for his family, and it transcends into a fantastic approach to children's music. Hearing and playing music was an important part of his upbringing. Now, able to give that experience to others is just about the coolest thing he can imagine doing!