Michael Najar has been messing with audio recording equipment since he was 14 years. Plugging in and playing with Tascam 4 tracks and Mackie mixers became a fun summer hobby when he was not studying music. As an undergraduate at UCI he studied electronic composition and took part in the first tech/composition cohort. While receiving his M.M. in vocal performance he taught undergraduate Audio Technology at Notre Dame da Namur. Mr. Najar has presented on audio technology at California Music Educators Conference multiple years.
He was employed as an A/V tech for 10 years editing audio and videos for marketing teams in the Bay Area. He used that experience to gain his CTE certificate in Arts and Media in 2019.
During the pandemic Mr. Najar produced 10 virtual videos for ensembles outside of Paly and 25 for the groups on campus.
In the Spring of 2021 Mr. Najar completed a certificate in audio production from Berklee School of Music. He has experience in Pro Tools, Reason, Logic, and Ableton Live. He is currently producing and mixing two of his own projects: StrangeBird, a duo with fellow Paly teacher Brittney Kerby, will be releasing a 3 song EP in the Fall of 21 and Polaris Drive whose album is due in 2022.
Mr. Najar was recognized as the Outstanding Choral Music Educator of 2020 by the CMEA Bay Area.