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Michael Lawson is a native of Sacramento, California. While completing a Bachelor of Music Degree from California State University, Sacramento, he performed in the Aspen Music Festival in 1990 and 1991, where he met his wife, Lisa.

Michael has developed a unique presence as a cellist, focusing the improvisational styles of early music, jazz, and Celtic music.

In 1992, Michael's interest in jazz and original music led him to perform in masterclasses with Mark Summer, cellist of the Turtle Island String Quartet. Shortly thereafter the Lawsons constructed a quartet of electric instruments with which they performed all classical concerts.

Michael's interest in Baroque music led him to pursue continuo playing on Baroque cello, and to study the style with Pheobe Carrai, Michael Sand, Richard Webb, and Elizabeth Field. Michael co -founded the baroque music ensemble Sacramento Baroque Soloists in 2001 and continues to lead as continuo soloist.

In 1999 and 2000 the Lawsons were awarded an Artist in the Schools Grant by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, to teach strings to 80 students at John Morse Waldorf Methods Magnet School. Michael is a devoted teacher, currently teaching cello at the Pease Conservatory of music in Sacramento where he maintains a studio of 35 private students.

He continues to educate school children by performing the original production Music Journey at school assemblies throughout the Sacramento region.