Daily Inspiration: Meet Michelle May

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle May.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a native Detroiter, a professional violinist and flutist, a mental health therapist, and a coach for creative professionals. My story begins with my parents: my mother was a concert pianist and teacher, and my father was a drummer, vocalist, visual artist, and a skilled tradesman who worked for 43 years at the former Chevrolet Gear and Axle Plant. He was also a Montford Point Marine, one of the first Black Marines in World War II. My sister, Dr. Angela May, and brother, Leon Dale May (also musicians), and I have been hearing music since we were in the womb! Our parents separated in the mid-1960s when we were young, and so we moved from an apartment building on Tyler and Wildemere streets to the Boston-Edison Historic District, where my great-grandmother had bought a home in 1952. We still own and live in that home today! Living in Boston-Edison definitely shaped our worldview, as we were surrounded by middle-class Black excellence from all walks of life, as well as many wonderful neighbors from other diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.

We had excellent early education in the Detroit Public Schools, and then for high school, my sister and I went to the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, and my brother attended Lutheran High North in Macomb. Education was a HUGE deal in our home, and it was expected that we all would continue into higher education. Our immediate role models were our mom, who obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s from Marygrove College, and our father, who earned a Bachelor’s from Wayne State University. Angela, Leon Dale, and I completed Bachelor’s Degrees from the former Marygrove College; Angela earned a Master’s from the Center for Humanistic Studies (now the Michigan School of Psychology), and a PhD from the former Union Institute and University. I earned a Master’s from Wayne State University.

My life as a musician began with studying piano with my mother, then picking up the violin in the Detroit Public Schools, and then taking private flute lessons. I was very involved in many musical ensembles over multiple years. Detroit is HUGELY influential in the international music scene, and growing up here and receiving my formal music education here truly made me feel confident as a Black classical musician. It wasn’t until I started traveling that I heard Black classical musicians in other areas of the country lamenting the feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, non-representation, and prejudice. Here in Detroit, there were (and are) many Black classical musicians, so I was blessed to never feel that way. But it made me more determined to make sure that I would do what I could to elevate Black voices in all areas of music.

After years of music teaching and extensive freelance performing in classical and other genres, including with the group I founded, Musique Noire, an opportunity came for me to develop a house concert music series in the Boston-Edison neighborhood. With the support of the Historic Boston-Edison Association, I founded “Concerts in Boston-Edison”. For over 15 years, I have brought world-class Detroit and Detroit-area musicians (and one group from Chicago, IL) into the beautiful homes of Boston-Edison. Because of the success of that series, I have also been tapped to produce several others for Detroit’s Indian Village Historic District, The Congregation Cafe and InHarmony Cafe in Detroit, and the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network.

On the mental health side, Angela and I founded A.M. May & Associates in 1996. We provide counseling, consulting, and customized growth strategies for individuals and organizations. I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in working with professional adults struggling with anxiety, grief, and depression. As a coach for creative professionals, I support experienced artists in elevating their creative practices so that they thrive with efficiency and ease as they present their artistic visions.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say that no one’s road is completely smooth! But you can learn so much along the way, so that your struggles become lessons.

Some of the struggles I had were internal: not thinking I was good enough to do what I do. Over the years, my self-esteem has strengthened to a point that those thoughts don’t stick around very long! Also, being a woman bandleader came with some challenges when I had certain male bandmates, especially when my group, Musique Noire, was getting started.

As I have aged, I feel less pressure to “prove myself,” and I am much more comfortable being who I am.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am both a creative (violinist and flutist) and a mental health professional, but really, creativity permeates all aspects of what I do. I am proud of being in service to others both as a musician and as a therapist, and I am blessed to see and hear the inspiration others receive from experiencing my work. I have been recognized for my artistic work in the community by receiving a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2018 and an Arc Fund Award in 2024, and I am also very proud of that.

I have successfully worked with hundreds of students and clients for over 30 years by helping them reach their goals or to provide stellar creative programming. If anyone reading this would like to get in touch with me about my services (therapy, coaching, or music), they can contact me at any of the provided links, and we can discuss what is needed.

What are your plans for the future?
With my music, I want to continue to perform, write, produce and promote. In my therapy work, I want my clients to know that they can overcome obstacles and live full, healthy lives. In my coaching work, I want my clients to work through limiting beliefs and run their creative practices in the most efficient way possible. I am looking forward to continuing to inspire others through my work and my life each and every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellemay.net
• Instagram: michelle_may_music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamay1
• Other: https://www.ammayassociates.com