An accomplished pianist, Michael Shapiro has performed internationally.  He has worked with such notable singers as Teresa Stratas, Camille Saviola (a/k/a "The Italian Godmother of Soul"), Faye Robinson, Katherine Ciesinski, Clamma Dale, Harris Poor, Anita Darian, Katherine Amyotte, Rosa Lamoureaux, Ruth Golden, Mildred Tyree, Stephanie Cotsirilos, Leena Chopra, and Brenda Jackson.

A winner of the Music Education League Piano Competition Silver Medal, Michael Shapiro studied piano with Consuelo Elsa Clark of the New York College of Music.  He has also long worked as an opera coach including as a Korrepititor at the Zurich Opera Theater in Switzerland.