BIOGRAPHY

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Michelle Ann is a classically trained singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends technical mastery with emotional depth. With a voice that moves effortlessly across genres and a gift for crafting soul-stirring lyrics, Michelle has built a career rooted in authenticity, resilience, and connection.

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Her instrumental versatility includes vocals, piano, clarinet, guitar, ukulele, percussion, and most recently, lap steel guitar—reflecting her lifelong passion for musical growth. From early performances in church choirs to high school musicals and Caberets, Show choir, and highly acclaimed HHS Wind Ensemble, which she was one of two freshman that made the cut! Michelle’s dedication to her craft has been evident from the start.

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A veteran performer in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area, Michelle has graced stages as a solo artist and frontwoman for numerous bands. Her performances span historic theaters, cathedrals (including the Presidential Cathedral in DC), universities, retreats, festivals, and also intimate venues across the tri-state area. She has earned a 5-star rating on WeddingWire for her work as a wedding vocalist, performing at ceremonies for over a decade—often alongside her husband and other fellow local artists. For ten years, she also served as a worship music ministry leader for mission groups, deepening her connection to community and faith through music. She also was a music teacher, specializing in piano and voice, helping her students from age 7-88 discover their own musical voices and styles and catered all the lessons to each students learning style.

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Some of Michelle’s career highlights include unforgettable performances at the Kennedy Center and the Historic State Theatre, where she debuted her original song Sing Above—a powerful anthem written to raise awareness about her personal journey with multiple sclerosis and first time opening up about it, as its easiest for her, through music. Though she hadn’t spoken publicly about her diagnosis before, Michelle chose to write the song as a way to offer comfort and solidarity to others facing similar battles and help with awareness for the MS Community. Crafted with universal themes of resilience and hope, Sing Above invites listeners of all backgrounds to find solace and feel seen in their daily fight, and anyone's fight they are facing. 

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Her debut single and Christmas song, Purpose (2017), released in collaboration with Label Head Don Halterman of Grander Music, she donated all proceeds to Bethany Christian Services—the adoption agency that brought her a forever family and wanted to help what this agency does for others and donated money to support the birthmother specifically as well. It was a special Christmas.

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In 2025, Michelle was honored to be named finalist in the 6-month Open Act contest and almost won! She was selected and competed for the opportunity to open for major artists including Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic, and more! She is so grateful to all who voted and supported her! This recognition placed her among a select group of emerging singer-songwriters admired for their originality and emotional resonance—artists she herself looks up to, such as Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, and John Mayer.

Michelle’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. After losing her ability to sing due to paralysis in her diaphragm and esophagus, she faced a long and uncertain recovery and still does daily. In a powerful turn of events, her voice returned as the paralysis moved —and her first public performance post-recovery was opening for American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, marking a triumphant return to the stage. She hadn't told him and others that attended until day of and was told it was the best concert they had ever been to.

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Now fully independent, Michelle runs her music business from top to bottom—writing, performing, and producing with complete creative control. She believes music is a divine gift but also a skill you have to constantly nurture and learn from and with — and believes it is part of her purpose to help others through music—and she’s grateful to connect with listeners around the world through her songs and here the amazing feedback from people all over.

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Michelle Ann is not just a musician—she’s a storyteller, a survivor, and a voice for those who need to be heard. Her journey is ongoing, and she welcomes you to be part of it.