M.Div. , practice of ministry

BS , Psychology, Religious Studies

Michael R. Barker is director of music and organist at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, in Black Mountain, NC.    Mr. Barker began music studies at the age of 12, learning piano from private teachers, and trumpet in public schools.  He took his first paid position as a church musician at the age of 14, as organist for Calvary United Methodist Church, Durham, NC.  During high school he worked in a chain drug store, a satellite TV components factory, a telecommunications components assembly line, a tobacco farm and as a waiter.  Though he did not attain high rank, he was active in Boy Scouting during high school, and was a leader in church youth groups.  While in college he was musician for two different Presbyterian Churches in the Greensboro, NC area.  He accompanied his college choir frequently, played in college musicals, and traveled extensively with the choir.Michael Barker is a graduate of Guilford College, Greensboro, NC and Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC.  He has done further study in composition at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.  He is active in the following professional organizations, having served on local and/or regional governing bodies for each: American Guild of Organists, Organ Historical Society, Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.  He has traveled abroad to Germany and other European countries, Israel, Jamaica and Canada, in addition to the eastern US, Pacific Northwest, and Minnesota.His anthem for children, Miriam’s Song, is published by Choristers Guild.  His set of organ music, Three Festive Pieces for Christmastide, is published by Warner Bros. Music. Other of his music and teaching resources have been published by Abingdon Press, including Church Music Workshop.  His set of Chrsitmas Carols for flute and organ will be published by morningStar Music in mid-2007.  He has many other works for various ensembles and instruments not yet published, especially for organ and solo flute with organ accompaniment.Michael Barker is married to Elizabeth Barksdale Barker.  Together they have two sons, Eli age 8 and Briggs age 2.