Music Director

216-751-2320 x107
mike.carney@uucleveland.org

A lifelong UU and native of Greater Cleveland, UUCC’s Music Director Mike Carney has been a passionate and dedicated performer, director, and music educator for over 25 years. He has degrees in vocal music education from Baldwin Wallace University, where he studied with Stuart Raleigh, Mel Hakola and Charlie Smith among others, and in choral conducting from Kent State University, where he studied with C. M. Shearer. Mike spent the first two decades of his career developing award-winning high school choral programs, and now teaches Classical and Rock Music History courses at Walsh University and directs Good Company, A Vocal Ensemble – a select community chorus based in Lakewood. At UUCC, Mike directs the Chancel Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Men’s Singers and Multigen Choirs, as well as performing as a vocalist and pianist/organist for services. Mike organizes and coordinates all congregational music for services and special events, including vocal and instrumental guest musicians from within the congregation and elsewhere. As a director and performer, Michael has performed nationally and internationally and has shared the stage with thousands of musicians, working collaboratively with Ola Gjeilo, David Conte, Joan Szymko, Jim Scott, Moises Borges, and many others. Michael lives in Lakewood with his wife Lucy, and they enjoy traveling, making music together, and spending time with their two adult children.