Michael Engelhardt
2026-2027 Mixed Jazz
Michael Engelhardt is a multifaceted choral artist whose work blurs the boundaries between the classical canon and contemporary sound. As a composer, conductor, producer, and vocalist based in St. Louis, Engelhardt has earned national recognition for his ability to craft emotionally resonant music that connects with performers and audiences alike. His compositions—characterized by their rhythmic vitality, harmonic color, and fusion of styles—have been heard on stages as revered as Carnegie Hall and across media networks including ABC, NBC, PBS, and NPR.
A native of Illinois, Engelhardt holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Millikin University. His catalog of over twenty published choral works is available through leading publishers including Walton/GIA, Hinshaw Music, and Alfred Music. His music is regularly featured at national, regional, and state conferences for ACDA, NAfME, and the Jazz Education Network, as well as in performances by All-State choirs, university ensembles, and professional vocal groups.
Equally active behind the scenes, Engelhardt has contributed to dozens of full-length albums and numerous broadcast productions as a producer, arranger, and audio editor. His collaborative work spans genres, including vocal arranging and production for Grammy-winning artists such as Michael McDonald, Josh Groban, Take 6, Patti Austin, and Ben Folds. As co-producer and vocal director, his fingerprints are also present on projects by Brian Owens, Malena Smith, and Millikin University’s award-winning University Choir and OneVoice vocal jazz ensemble.
Engelhardt is the founder of Beer Choir, a national social singing movement that combines community, craft beer, and choral music into an inclusive and joyful experience. This intersection of artistry and accessibility is a hallmark of his career—whether he’s directing collegiate vocal jazz ensembles at Webster University, presenting at ACDA and JEN conferences, or leading large-scale choral productions with community and university choirs.
His passion for education and mentorship has led to faculty appointments at Mt. San Antonio College, Millikin University, and Webster University, where he has taught subjects ranging from songwriting and popular music history to conducting and choral methods. His conducting credits span sacred masterworks, vocal jazz, contemporary opera, and full-scale musical theatre.
Engelhardt’s work continues to bridge musical worlds—blending gospel, jazz, classical, folk, and electronic influences—into a singular artistic voice committed to community, innovation, and the transformative power of song. He is currently based in St. Louis, MO, where he currently teaches at Webster University and serves as the Music Director for the Ethical Society of St. Louis.