I'm Michael, from Austin, Texas USA. Even though I can't usually host in Portland, I am open to meeting up hiking and other local/regional activities with travelers. I own a home in Portland, where it's difficult for me to host because of roommates, but also am part of a permaculture collective in the Intag region of Ecuador where we welcome volunteers and travelers who are interested in participating in the various projects on the farm. I am usually there in the winter months (November- February, but will likely be there in May 2026 also).

I have been a professional musician and music educator for 25 years. I founded an early childhood music school which I ran for 15 years, and managed a community music school for the City of Portland. I toured internationally with my cello-accordion duo for many years in Europe, North America, and South America. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I really enjoy learning, traveling, creative projects, collaboration, permaculture, and earth-building techniques.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting new international friends is always enlightening. Couchsurfing is one of those niceties of the modern age, making the most of technology in a world that can be less and less connected in other ways; a remarkable way to meet new people and share cultures. After decades traveling as a professional musician, I am still interested in international travel, but now with more time and flexibility to explore people and places in areas of the world my music might not have taken me. I love meeting new people and sharing our experiences and cultures.

Interests

Playing, listening, writing, recording, arranging, learning, and teaching music of all kinds!
Hiking, poetry, art, cooking, eating, learning, farming, gardening, film, politics, history, books, children, ceramics, exploring, sharing, learning, swimming, camping, reading, writing....

• arts
• writing
• books
• poetry
• singing
• concerts
• cooking
• desserts
• gardening
• politics
• reading
• pottery
• music
• classical music
• folk music
• guitar
• hiking
• camping
• swimming
• agriculture
• anthropology
• history
• wilderness
• children
• kids
• cello
• recording
• youth
• herbalism
• traditional music
• swimming,
• mentorship
• music education
• kids education

Music, Movies, and Books

I love popular, folk, traditional, and classical music from all over the world.
I read more nonfiction and poetry than fiction.
One of my favorite movies is "Pantaleon y las Visitadoras" (from Peru).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have spent half of the past 15 years living in Ecuador. The other half I have spent in Oregon and New Mexico.

I am in the process of building an off-grid, off-road, wattle and daub house on a permaculture farm I purchased 15 years ago with 20 Ecuadorian families.

I toured in Ecuador and Colombia doing cultural outreach concerts and workshops funded by the United States State Department, playing bluegrass and country music for local communities and schools.
I toured several other countries playing cello in a world music duo for a few years. (The Just Desserts).

I founded and operated an early-childhood family music school for 15 years.

Teach, Learn, Share

Music, food, farming, building, intentional-community-building, audio recording.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Music, stories, fun, connection, conscientious couchsurfing, great company for hiking and camping...and good cooking!

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, United States, Venezuela

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