
Biography

Michael Rais began his musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by his uncle Roger Rais, who placed a bass in his hands and introduced him to the timeless sounds of Led Zeppelin. From that moment, music became an inseparable part of his life. Although his parents were not formally trained musicians, their home was always filled with music, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts. Influenced by the vibrant sounds of the 1980s—particularly Tears for Fears—and the soulful grooves of Motown, Rais developed a passion that continues to shape his career.
In high school, Rais studied under esteemed bassist Derek Weller (Toledo Symphony, Michigan Opera Theatre, EMU), further refining his technique and musicianship. His dedication earned him a full Music Talent Award scholarship to Wayne State University in 2001. During his time at Wayne State, he studied with accomplished musicians Maxim Janowsky, Stephen Molina, and Craig Rifel of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Rais served as the principal bassist for the Wayne State Symphony Orchestra for three years and performed with the Wayne State Wind Symphony for four years. He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education.
Building on his education, Rais earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Since 2007, he has been an integral part of Livonia Public Schools, where his dedication to teaching has earned him accolades, including being named Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2015–2016 school year.
Outside the classroom, Michael Rais is a distinguished performer with over 29 years of experience on the electric and double bass. He has toured extensively across North America, collaborating with a wide array of ensembles. His mentors include luminaries such as Roger Rais (Saga), Denny Finney (Zooster), Al Martin (Billie Holiday), Derek Weller, Maxim Janowsky, and Stephen Molina.
Rais’s versatility extends to composition and arranging. He specializes in crafting dynamic arrangements for string and full orchestras, often blending contemporary pop with classical sensibilities. His works have been performed by the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Northwestern Symphony, and numerous educational ensembles. Notably, his ensemble, Il Segreto String Quartet, was honored with the Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Small Ensemble in 2014 and 2016.
Michael Rais’s contributions to music and education reflect a lifelong passion for fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the arts. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he inspires musicians and audiences alike with his dedication and artistry.


Performed with:
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
The Original Vandellas
The Edsels
The Skyliners
The Classics
The Chiffons
The Contours
The Legendary Teenagers
The Crests
Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles
The Coasters
The Reflections
The Marvelletes
The Crystals
Spyder Turner
Eddie Holman
The Marcels
The Cleftones
Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs
The Pink Flamingos
The Spaniels
Lou Christie
The Vogues
Ken Brady and The Casinos
The Volumes
Sonny Turner
Kathy Young
Chris Ruggerio
Reuben Robinson
Mu330
The Motown Experience
Michigan Arab Orchestra
Leisa Parham
Melissa Berhing Jazz Quartet
Willie Jones
The Cowsills
The Fantastic Four
Deke and the Blazers
Phase 5
Serieux
Tim Corwin (Ohio Express)
The Drifters
Emil Stucchio and The Classics
The Motortown All-Stars
The Trammps feat. Earl Young
Tommy Mara
The Flamingos
The Jarmels
Mark Scott's The Miracles
Michigan Arab Orchestra
Reno Philharmonic
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Dearborn Symphony
Michigan Philharmonic
Southeastern Michigan Wind Ensemble
Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestra (Principal Bassist)
Wayne State Symphony Orchestra
Wayne State Wind Symphony
Eastern Michigan University Ensembles
Detroit Civic Orchestra
Metro-Detroit school area musical
Accidentally Hip
Magic of Motown
Currently Performing with:
The Shades of Blue
Il Segreto String Quartet
SouthEastern Michigan Wind Ensemble
The Transit Brothers
Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra
Recorded on albums:
Black Milk
Slum Village
Sniff Test
Il Segreto String Quartet
Transit Brothers
Active Memberships include:
MSBOA: Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association
ASTA: American String Teacher Association
MMEA: Michigan Music Education Association
ISB: International Society of Double Bassists
Detroit Bass Federation: Chair member
Alumni Association for VanderCook College of Music
Gear:
Double Basses:
- Peter Kauffman 3/4 Carved Double Bass
- Christopher 3/4 laminated Bass
Bass Bows/Rosin:
- 3 French Bows - Black Hair
- 1 French Carbon Fiber Eastman Bow
- Wiedoft Bass Rosin
Electric Basses:
- Michael Kelly: PO4 Element (B&W)
- Michael Kelly: PO5 Element (Red)
- Michael Kelly: Custom Collection Element 5R
- Fender Squier Jazz - Fretless “Jaco Bass”
- Fender Squier Jazz - ‘77 Reissue
- Fender Squier Precision - 'The Funk Machine'
Amps:
- Ampeg - Portaflex 500 watt head
- Ampeg - Portaflex 2x10 cab
- Ampeg - Portaflex 1x15 cab
- Phil Jones Bass Amp: 100 watt
Effects:
- Boss GT-8 Bass effects
- Joyo Compression Pedal
- Joyo Black Tuner Pedal
- Joyo Analog Delay Pedal
- Ditto Looper Pedal
Strings:
- GHS Boomers - Light .40-.95 Long Scale
- GHS Brite Flats - Ground Roundwound Alloy 52™ / Medium Scale / One set 049-108
- Innovation Strings - Braided Orchestral
Other:
- GruvGear fret wraps
- GHS Fast Fret
- Lenovo 11"/12.4" Tablet
- iRig Bluetooth pedal
- Protec Bass Case

