Michael Poupko is a professional musician, teacher, producer, composer, and recording engineer. He is the director and owner of Our Music Institute in Northfield, Illinois. He plays dozens of instruments but is most proficient in ukulele, guitar, and electric bass. He received his BA in Jazz Guitar Performance from Roosevelt University and then began his teaching career in 2001. He served as the director of North Shore Music Institute from 2010 to 2019.

Michael’s original music and collaborations have been heard worldwide on NBC, FOX, BBC, Discovery, Travel Channel, Food Network, Cooking Channel, HGTV, DIY Network, and more. Notable programs and movies include Dateline NBC, Design on a Dime, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Made in America, Rehab Addict, So You Think You Can Dance, and New in Town.

Michael has performed professionally in North America, Europe, and Africa with such artists as Frankie Avalon, Jeff Mauro, and Jim Peterik. Along with bandmates and other collaborators, he has shared bills with Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, the Wailers, Soul Asylum, Cracker, Fishbone, Blind Melon, and Victor Wooten. He has also performed in theatrical productions of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, Hair, and Footloose. In 2004, Michael’s band, Punsapaya, received an award for Best Rock Album at the Chicago Music Awards. The band was also nominated three times for Best Rock Performer.