As a scholar, Michael’s research and teaching focuses on a wide range of topics, including issues of agroecology, community, culture, development, economy, environment, gender, participation, place, and social justice, with an eye toward both the practical and theoretical issues of how we might do a better job with all of these matters.
As an author, Michael has authored or edited twelve books, three of which have won national awards. Try the “books” link above for more detail.
As a composer, Michael works in both grassroots and classical traditions, from songs, to fiddle tunes, to classical piano, to choral pieces, to his recent symphony and string quartet. He currently composes for and performs on guitar, mandolin, and banjo with the indie klezmer band Tsuzamen and the folk cabaret duet Elm Duo, among other projects. Michael continues to write tunes and songs that contribute to a variety of folk traditions, especially bluegrass and contradance music. His classical composition draws much of its inspiration from these traditions as well. Michael has five albums to his credit, and his compositions have been recorded by many other artists.
Contact Michael at michaelbell@wisc.edu.
Michael’s (more or less) current c.v. can be found HERE.