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Dr. Michael McBride

@therealmcbride

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Music Supervisor | Composer | Conductor | Pianist
Chicago | NYC | LA | London | New Zealand
@creativestudiosbynclh @choirofman @lotronstage

POSTS STORIES REELS

✨ A year of expansion. ✨
New collaborators, bold projects, unforgettable venues — I’ve updated my Music Director Reel to capture just a glimpse of the path I’m walking.

This reel is both a reflection backwards and a vision forward. Here’s to more artistry, more connection, and more music that moves us. 🎶💫

#MusicDirector #musictheater #conductor #pianist #musician #composer #broadwaymusical #westend #chicagomusic by @therealmcbride

Exciting news!
I’m officially opening my own music teaching studio in Chicago!

After years of working in professional theater and university settings, I’m thrilled to offer private lessons and coaching in:

Voice | Audition Preparation | Piano | Conducting

Whether you’re gearing up for a big audition, developing your technique, or stepping into new musical leadership—this space is all about helping you grow and shine.

All levels welcome.
In-person and virtual options available.

Ready to get started?
DM me or email keyswizcomp@gmail.com for rates and scheduling.

Let’s make music together.

#MusicLessons #VoiceCoach #AuditionPrep #PianoLessons #ConductingCoach #ChicagoTheatre #MusicalTheatreLife #MusicDirector by @therealmcbride

Announcing Dr. Michael McBride, music supervisor for the Norwegian Encore’s productions of The Choir of Man and ICONS: The Bands this November through December 2026.

I’m thrilled to rejoin the UK team to produce these thrilling shows on the ship that was christened by Kelly Clarkson. We will be rehearsing at the studios in Tampa Nov 4-Dec 5, then installing until Dec 20 on a loop between Los Angeles, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta.

My time at NCL started with this ship a little over a year ago. I was brought in as part of the Choir of Man team because I served as the resident music director for their Chicago production. Since then I was able to connect with the larger NCL team and set in motion an adventure that opened up my music career. This time I’m serving as the representative from Norwegian Cruise Lines.

I’m still amazed at where life can lead from saying that first YES. by @therealmcbride

It’s SPOOOOKY season 👻 🎃
Watch out for Phantoms lurking in your theater rafters!

What’s in your haunted house?
Comment below…if you dare‼️ by @therealmcbride

Part 3: stop FOLLOWING the metronome; lead it. by @therealmcbride

Part 2: Conductor’s tempo test ANSWERS REVEALED by @therealmcbride

How’s your sense of tempo? Being able to produce specific beats per minute is a critical skill that all musicians can hone.

Comment with your answers to the five questions above and check back for part 2 for the big reveal and how I trained myself. by @therealmcbride

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a freelance musician? A sustainable career doesn’t have to follow a single path.

Before working with Norwegian Cruise Line, I’d heard mixed things about cruise entertainment. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the professionalism, the caliber of artists, and the consistency of opportunities.

I’m still relatively new to this world, but it’s becoming an important part of how I build a career that allows me to keep doing what I love.

And that’s something I want the next generation of musical theatre artists to understand: Don’t limit your career to the opportunities you already know exist.

Sometimes the path you hadn’t considered opens doors you didn’t even know were there.

🚢 Have you ever considered working in cruise entertainment? Or have you already worked on a ship? I’d love to hear about your experience!

#MusicalTheatre #MusicSupervisor #NorwegianCruiseLine #TheatreCareers by @therealmcbride

I’ve been thinking a lot about the fear of being seen.

Usually, when we talk about vulnerability, we talk about revealing the parts of ourselves we’re ashamed of. Our insecurities. Our imperfections. Our struggles.

But what about the parts we’re proud of?

I’m a musician. An educator. A storyteller. That’s the version of me I share most often here.

But I’m also someone who loves fitness, who works hard to take care of his body, and who, at 46, is genuinely excited about how he looks and feels.

And somehow, sharing that feels vulnerable, too.

Maybe because we’re taught to be humble. To not show off. To not take up too much space.

But I’m beginning to wonder if hiding what we’re proud of is just another way of making ourselves smaller.

I know this body will continue to change. Someday, I hope I’ll look back at these photos with affection and gratitude for this chapter of my life.

So here’s to celebrating ourselves while we’re actually living the moments we’ll someday look back on.

You don’t have to be ashamed of something to be afraid of showing it. And you don’t have to hide something just because you’re proud of it.

What part of yourself are you learning to celebrate more openly?

📸 photo credit: just my phone in the sand with no editing by @therealmcbride

WHY do some people naturally clap on beats 1 and 3, while others gravitate toward 2 and 4? 👏🎶

I have a theory, and it has less to do with “having rhythm” than with how we’ve learned to participate in music.

I think our musical upbringing shapes not just what we hear, but how we instinctively participate with the sound.

Neither pattern is universally right or wrong. But the difference can completely transform the groove!

Watch Harry Connick Jr. demonstrate this brilliantly, and then hear me out.

Musicians and music lovers: Does my theory hold up? Or do you have another explanation? I’m genuinely curious!

#MusicTheory #MusicalTheatre #MusicEducation #Rhythm #HarryConnickJr by @therealmcbride

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an educator is that high standards and compassion are not competing values.

For a long time, I confused the conditions under which I learned with the conditions necessary for learning.

I’m grateful for the teachers who challenged me to achieve more than I thought possible. And I’m equally grateful for the mentors who challenged me to reconsider how we help others achieve excellence.

I still believe in hard work, discipline, and pushing beyond what feels comfortable. But I’ve learned that when artists feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes, and contribute their own ideas, extraordinary growth becomes possible.

We can honor what our teachers gave us without repeating everything they did.

I’m curious: What’s something you experienced as a student or young artist that you’ve consciously chosen to do differently now that you’re in a position to lead?

#MusicalTheatre #ArtsEducation #Leadership #MusicDirector #TheatreEducation by @therealmcbride

Virgo Month - September 2026
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Became a Newfoundlander, cheered my dad during his recovery, got a sneak peek of Walnut, picked apples, celebrated my birthday, got to work with my favorite Elphaba, auditioned for a dream show, celebrated my mama’s 70, drank Dunkin, saw the oldest Tarot Cards, taught my favorite kiddos in NYC & relaxed before season of the Ice Witch. Fuckin’ grateful 👻🎃🙌🏻
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#comefromaway #philadelphia #applepickingseason #birthdaymonth #beetlejuicebeetlejuicebeetlejuice by @therealmcbride