Michael Sweeney
Internationally recognized composer Michael Sweeney is former Director of Band Publications for Hal Leonard, a world leader in the music print industry. Michael is particularly known for his innovative approach to writing at younger levels for concert band and jazz. Since joining the company in 1982, Hal Leonard has published over 500 of his compositions and arrangements.
Mr. Sweeney is a 1977 graduate of Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music education and studied composition with Bernard Heiden, John Eaton and Donald Erb. Prior to working for Hal Leonard he was a band director in Ohio and Indiana, working with successful concert, jazz and marching programs at all levels from elementary to high school.
A winner of multiple ASCAP awards, his Ancient Voices (1994) and Imperium (1992) are featured in the acclaimed Teaching Music Through Performance series by GIA Publications. Other works such as Black Forest Overture (1996), Distant Thunder of the Sacred Forest (2003), Celtic Air & Dance (2007) and Earthdance (2010) have become staples in the repertoire for young bands. He has received commissions ranging from middle school and high school bands to the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Canadian Brass. In 2024 Michael was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. His works appear on numerous state contest lists and his music is regularly performed throughout the world.
Michael resides in the Milwaukee area where he enjoys fishing and playing traditional Irish music.
