Michael Kollwitz is one of the pioneer players of a relatively little-known American stringed instrument known as The Chapman Stick®. Capable of astounding expressiveness and simultaneous multi-part arrangements, ‘The Stick’ combines elements of guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion into one instrument that is played more like a piano than a guitar. Currently, Michael has had 23 independent releases. The music from his last three albums, ‘Serenity, I, II & III’ have received considerable international airplay, many nominations and are also being played on airlines and in hospitals.
In April 2018 ‘Serenity II’ made its debut at #8 on the Billboard Top Ten New Age Albums chart and received Grammy nomination consideration. Since then ‘Serenity II has also received nominations for Best New Age Album of 2018 from the Independent Music Awards and Best Instrumental Acoustic Album of 2018 from Zone Music Reporter. In January and February 2019, ‘Serenity III’ debuted in the Top 5 of all three of the world’s major New Age charts starting with Billboard at #3 in January before moving up to #2 in February. Carlos Santana once ‘blessed’ Michael’s music on The Stick in Hawaii and called it “a gift of the heart” that made him feel good.