Sawgrass Music Center

Michael Kolber
Director • Coordinator

        Mr. Michael Kolber (also known as Chef Michael) is a State Licensed, School Board Certified, First-Class Music Educator. He has extensive experience and background teaching all instruments, all styles of music, and all ages; from early childhood, to grade school beginners, through middle, high school, to college and professionals. Whether teaching privately, in group settings, or as a director/conductor of large student ensembles, Mr. Kolber uses great care, compassion, and constant positive reinforcement in his teaching methods, all while maintaining an atmosphere of creativity and passion for higher learning and the arts. His years of experience as a public school music educator have provided him with the invaluable opportunity to work with 150 to 250 young students each and every day. He has conducted large student music ensembles in performance at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, received top superior ratings at student music contests and festivals, while working day in and day out helping each student reach their full potential as a music instrumentalist.
     Mr. Kolber is one of South Florida’s most highly respected and versatile professional musicians and music educators. He lived, studied, and performed for years throughout the New York City area. As well as performing in Los Angeles, Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and of course South Florida. He has worked as Musical Director and Band Leader for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In 1994 Michael left New York City and moved back to South Florida to open          “il bacio” Restaurant and Music Club. For the next 4 years he was the owner, operator, music director, musician, and Head Chef of South Florida’s critically acclaimed, Premier establishment for excellent food and great live music.
     Mr. Michael Kolber has a strong personal background in all areas of music; from Symphonic Bands, String Orchestras, Jazz Ensembles, Shows, Theater, Pop, Rock, Music Theory, History, etc…His experiences as a professional musician, musical director, educator and conductor have all contributed to his desire and ability to help all students of music reach their full potential, tap into their unique talents, and enjoy music throughout their life.
     Mr. Kolber has studied at the University of Miami, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, and The New School For Social Research in New York City. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in music education and has extensively studied child psychology and early childhood development.
     Mr. Kolber’s other passions in life include raising his three young boys with his wife, as well as being a first class chef and an expert on health and nutrition.