Michael McGarril

Michael McGarril is a versatile multi-instrumentalist based in Miami, Florida, with a wide-ranging career as a live performer, studio musician, bandleader, and educator. Equally at home in jazz, pop, and commercial music, he has shared the stage and studio with artists such as St. Lucia, Steve Aoki, Big Daddy Kane, and Xiomara Laugart. Michael currently leads Boat Band, a bluesy jazz trio featuring saxophone, organ, and drums, and performs with Shag Horns, a high-energy brass band known for its vibrant stage presence.

Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Michael developed his jazz foundation early, performing at the Belleayre Mountain Jazz Festival alongside Jane Monheit and Peter Cincotti, and opening for legends Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea while still in high school. He later moved to New York City to study at The New School for Jazz, where he earned his B.F.A. in Jazz Performance and trained under renowned saxophonists Jim Snidero, Dave Glasser, and Vincent Herring.

Michael subsequently broadened his pursuits, branching into multiple genres and honing his skills on the flute, clarinet, and piano. He has performed on national television with Steve Aoki, toured with Big Daddy Kane, and toured and recorded with St. Lucia on their albums Hyperion and Fata Morgana: Dawn & Dusk. His performance credits span top New York City venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, Rockwood Music Hall, Terminal 5, Pier 17, and Symphony Space.

In addition to performing, Michael is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience teaching saxophone, flute, and piano. His students range from beginners to advanced players, with several earning prestigious placements at institutions like New York City’s LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts.