virtuoso piano arrangements with a classical twist
Born in 2004, Michael Rainwater is a distinguished pianist hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. Immersed in classical piano training since the age of 3, Michael's artistry ingeniously intertwines the grandeur of classical soundscapes with the vibrancy of contemporary pop music. His cover versions are intended to redefine the familiar, providing listeners with an entirely fresh auditory journey. In his most recent projects, the resonant tones of his personally-formed orchestra further embellish the music while emphasizing the piano's essential role in these intricate arrangements. A testament to his deep commitment to his craft, Michael Rainwater personally navigates every aspect of his music — from the initial arrangement to recording, production, and finally, publication.
Michael has been playing the piano since the age of 3. He has made solo debuts in Carnegie Hall, Cobb Energy Centre, Ferst Performing Arts Centre and City Springs Performing Arts Center. Rainwater is also a 5-time featured soloist in the Tower of Talent, a charity concert that features Atlanta's top talented youth in a showcase benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and their music therapy program. Rainwater has helped to raise over $7 million for the charity since inception. In addition, Michael also helped to raise money for the DELVIS Sings for Autism Change foundation in December 2018 through a very successful a charity concert.
Michael’s work has been featured in the news, print, and television. Michael has made various television appearances such as featured segments like Atlanta's own, Atlanta and Company. He has participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs for 7 years and received a Superior Rating for all 7 years and recently won the First Prize in the Crescendo International Piano Competition, the largest of its kind. Michael Rainwater was inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society in 2019.
Michael has been arranging since the age of 11, as pictured: Rainwater working on some of his earliest arrangements. Despite having arranged since that time, in 2020, Michael embarked on scoring and listing his music arrangements for sale. One of his debut arrangements in the "scored series" was a fantastic and lively rendition of "Great Balls of Fire," earning widespread online praise and receiving 5-star ratings from both Musicnotes and SheetMusicPlus. This arrangement marked an important step in Rainwater's distribution journey, reaching a wider audience of everyday pianists.
Michael's original arrangements spotlight the piano in a distinctively novel way, unlike any setups he had stumbled upon online. Gleaning insights from the instrumentation, arrangement style, and characterizations of past maestros such as Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, and others, he aimed to reframe the piano within a broad, mesmerizing sonic landscape. Michael was intent on making the piano the pivotal element of the arrangement, whether it stood alone or was harmonized with other instruments.
This dual role as a performer and producer allowed Michael to have a broad impact on the music he arranges. It also provided him with a unique perspective, as he was able to understand and navigate the creative process from multiple angles. His work as a producer not only enriched his own music but also contributed to the success of many other artists, further cementing his place in the music industry. In early 2022, Michael embarked on an ambitious project. He recorded and produced "Back To Black," featuring the mega-talented vocalist Addison Bendall. This project was a unique blend of piano and orchestra arrangement, offering a fresh take on the classic song. Notably, this project also featured his orchestra, adding another layer of depth and richness to the arrangement. The collaboration with Bendall and the inclusion of his orchestra highlighted Michael's ability to work in a team setting, bringing together different musical elements to create a harmonious and captivating piece. This project was yet another example of Michael's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the piano, continually challenging himself to explore new musical landscapes.
The piano is the pivotal element of the scored arrangement
Michael's initial public performance took place at the 2016 Tower of Talent, where he showcased an arrangement that blended Anton Bilotti's "The Firefly" and "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. The fusion piece was a hit with the audience, which led to invitations for Michael to perform solo piano arrangements for the rest of the show's run. His repertoire included "In The Mood," a mashup of "Minute Waltz" and "Great Balls of Fire," a Queen Medley incorporating "Bohemian Rhapsody," and many others.
Following his invigorating arrangement of "Great Balls of Fire," Michael continued to expand his repertoire, recording arrangements of songs from a diverse range of artists such as Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, and Olivia Rodrigo. Each arrangement was a testament to his ability to adapt to different musical styles, further showcasing his versatility and creativity.
While Michael was making waves with his own music, he was also making significant contributions behind the scenes as a producer for other artists. His work extended across the country, collaborating with musicians from Los Angeles to Atlanta. His keen ear for music, combined with his technical skills and creative vision, make him a skilled producer. He has worked with a diverse range of artists, helping them refine their sound and bring their musical ideas to life. His ability to understand and enhance an artist's unique style, while also introducing innovative elements, made him a valuable asset in the studio. Whether he was working on a pop ballad or an upbeat rock track, Michael's production skills were instrumental in shaping the final product.
