Michael Compitello is a dynamic percussionist dedicated to commissioning and premiering new works that explore the expressive possibilities of the instrument. He is currently an Associate Professor of Percussion at Arizona State University and has developed sustained collaborations with composers such as Tonia Ko, Amy Beth Kirsten, and Hannah Lash, whose works are featured on his solo project, "Unsnared Drum." As a member of the acclaimed cello-percussion duo New Morse Code, he has released multiple albums and commissioned a singular repertoire from esteemed American composers. He also performs as a soloist and member of the Percussion Collective. Dr. Compitello holds a DMA from the Yale School of Music, studied as a Fulbright Scholar with the Ensemble Modern in Germany, and is a proud endorsing artist for Vic Firth, Zildjian, Pearl/Adams, and Black Swamp Percussion.