Michael Cai is a 2nd year music student at the University of Auckland, studying piano under Stephen de Pledge and David Guerin. He has been learning his primary instrument, the piano, for over 13 years and percussion for over 11 years. In 2019 Michael received his piano LTCL with distinction and, in 2018, was placed 2nd in the piano category in the PACANZ competition in Palmerston North.
He learns percussion with Eric Renick of the APO and Ryan Carroll-Wattson of the Auckland Drum School. With percussion, Michael has participated in orchestras such as the NZSSSO, CYO and the Burnside High School Orchestra. He was also part of many jazz and band ensembles and pit orchestras for musicals during his time at Burnside High School.