Michael Le Van began his lifetime pursuit of music at nine years old. Classically trained, he graduated from California State University, Fullerton, California with a Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Composition. There he studied with master teacher Earl Voorhies, himself a pupil of Alexander Siloti, one of Liszt's favorite students.
As a jazz pianist, he studied for some time with Buddy Motsinger, accompanist for Billie Holiday. Largely self taught, he learned much through numerous collaborations and by listening intently to the masters. His most notable influences include Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Sonny Clark, McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock.
He has performed extensively in both classical and jazz venues and with musicians such as Barbara Morrison, David Enos, John Ferraro, Putter Smith, Kevin Tullius, Ramon Banda, Tim Pleasant, Jeff Littleton, Peter Buck, Chuck Manning, Bruce Lett, Luther Hughes, Kendall Kaye, Dustin Haner, Jotty Johnson, and Isla Eckinjer.
His trio has played to the acclaim of music critics and record reviewers, who have written widely about Michael's uniquely lyrical and harmonically subtle style.