A native of New York City, pianist Daniel Michalak holds degrees in music from Harvard University and in piano performance from Indiana University (Bloomington), where he studied with Edward Auer and the late Michel Block. He later returned to IU as a coach-accompanist in the studios of Virginia Zeani, Camilla Williams, Giorgio Tozzi, Walter Cassel, James King, and Costanza Cuccaro, among others. He joined the Oberlin Conservatory staff in 1999, and currently serves as vocal coach and music director of the Winter Term operas and senior-level opera scenes programs for Oberlin Opera Theater. He is also a prolific composer of vocal and chamber music.