Michael McNulty was born and raised in Greenwich, CT. His love of music started at an early age when he began playing flute in his fourth grade elementary school band and taking guitar lessons in fifth grade. He continued music throughout middle school where he and his best friend started the rock band Visceral Sponge that made its debut by opening for their middle school winter concert. In high school, Michael helped grow his rock band as well as join his high school jazz ensemble and switch from flute to bassoon. He also continued guitar lessons and discovered his true passion for music and jazz guitar in particular. At UVA it didn’t take long for Michael to begin pursuing jazz guitar and discover his newfound love for playing the bassoon. Michael is currently very involved in the UVA music department, playing guitar in the UVA Jazz Ensemble and in a jazz small group as well as playing bassoon in the UVA Rotunda Bassoon Ensemble and the Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra. He studies with Mike Rosensky, Ibby Roberts, and John D’earth. Recently, Michael has become very interested in jazz composition and has composed pieces that have been performed by the UVA Jazz Ensemble. Outside of school Visceral Sponge remains active. In terms of academics Michael is planning on double majoring in music and one of the sciences although is currently undecided as to which path in science he will take. Regardless of his path, Michael knows that he wants to take music seriously at UVA, particularly in terms of performance and composition. He is incredibly grateful to be a Miller Arts Scholar and is excited to take advantage of the opportunities this program can provide him.