Michael Kozakis is a highly regarded Chicago-based percussionist and educator with an extensive performance career that includes work with the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, and numerous other major ensembles. A versatile artist, he has performed with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, and Ben Folds, and held two full-time positions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, he teaches at DePaul University, where he directs the percussion ensemble and serves as percussion coordinator, in addition to working with local high schools and leading clinics throughout the region. Michael holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and DePaul University and is an artist for Zildjian, Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion, and Black Swamp Percussion.