Michael, the founder of L'Armonia, was director and founder of several choral ensembles over the last 35 years, including the Neo-Renaissance Singers of Los Angeles and the Spirit Choir of Santa Cruz. While living in Los Angeles he founded the Topanga Olde Musicke Festival, a yearly festival dedicated to the authentic performance of music of the Renaissance and Medieval periods. He also founded and organized Concerts at the Ash Grove, a concert series featuring music of wider scope including seldom performed music of the romantic period, the 20th century and by young contemporary composers of the mid twentieth century living in Southern California.
As a pianist and composer, Michael has studied with Leo Smit and Leonard Stein. Currently he has studied piano both in California and Warsaw, Poland with Pawel Skryzpek.
Michael is best known as an internationally recognized authority, teacher, author on herbal medicine and acupuncture. He practices Traditional Chinese medicine with his wife Lesley Tierra at his East West Herb and Acupuncture Clinic in Santa Cruz.
Michael's son, Chetan Tierra is a talented pianist who has won numerous prizes and awards and is pursuing his education at Oberlin Music Conservatory.