Originally from Watertown, Wisconsin, Michael Zelinski is an energetic and passionate horn performer and teacher, currently pursuing his Masters degree in Horn Performance. Before beginning his graduate studies, Michael performed as third horn with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and regularly played with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. 

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Michael received full fellowship to the Aspen Music Festival and School for the summer of 2026, and was a finalist for both the NSAL High Brass and CCM Winstead Solo Competitions the same year. He has been featured as a concerto soloist with the University of St. Thomas Festival Orchestra in consecutive years, and was named Musician of the Year by the University of St. Thomas Symphonic Wind Ensemble in 2024. He has been a recipient of the Minnesota College and University Council for Music Scholarship and Watertown Euterpe Continuing Education Scholarship. He also served as principal horn of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Honor Band, and performed across Greece for the University of St. Thomas Symphonic Wind Ensemble international tour. 

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Equally as passionate about education and outreach, Michael has taught and mentored both in the classroom and privately since high-school, driven by the development of future musicians.

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He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Horn Performance and Business Management from the University of St. Thomas and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Horn Performance at the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music. His private instructors include Dr. Margaret Tung, Jaclyn Rainey, Michael Alexander, Nick Brown, Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger, and Dr. David Brown.