Michael Rais started learning music/bass at the young age of six years old. Rais started learning bass from his uncle, Roger Rais. In high school, he studied with Derek Weller. After high school, Rais auditioned for Wayne State University and received a full scholarship, where he studied with Stephen Molina and Craig Rifel. Rais was also the principal bassist in the Wayne State Symphony Orchestra and Wayne State Wind Symphony. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University in Music and Music Education in 2006 and attended on a full scholarship. After attending Wayne State University, he completed his master’s degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Michael has been teaching for Livonia Public Schools since 2007. Mr. Rais was also nominated for teacher of the year during the 2013-2014 school year. He was announced spring 2015 that he is the Livonia Public Schools Middle School teacher of the year for the 2015-2016 school year. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Rais is an accomplished musician. He won an award along with his ensemble Il Segreto String Quartet for “Outstanding Small Ensemble” in 2014 and 2016 at the Detroit Music Awards.