Early Life and Education
Born in France in 2003, percussionist Gabriel Michaud began studying percussion at the age of seven at a community music school before joining the Conservatory of Nantes at eleven. Deeply engaged in jazz during his formative years, he performed with several ensembles, including the trio Tryptyk and the ODC 5tet.
In 2020, he entered the Haute École de Musique de Genève, where he broadened his musical language through studies in contemporary and orchestral percussion, as well as drum set, tabla, and composition. In September 2023, he began his Master’s degree in percussion at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris.
Professional Career
Michaud has already established himself as a versatile musician with a wide range of influences. He has performed at major international festivals such as La Folle Journée, Festival Archipel, IPEA Shanghai, and Salon-de-Provence. His engagements include solo and chamber music performances as well as collaborations with renowned orchestras, including the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire.
Awards and Recognitions
Early in his career, Gabriel Michaud received numerous awards and distinctions. In 2021, he won several prizes at solo competitions in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. The following year, he received awards with Trio Fragments at chamber music competitions, including in Luxembourg. Also in 2022, he achieved outstanding success at the TROMP International Percussion Competition Eindhoven, where he won First Prize, the Audience Award, and the Press Prize.
In 2025, Michaud continued his international success by winning First Prize at the IPEA International Percussion Competition in Shanghai. He reached another major milestone in 2026, winning First Prize in Percussion at the 75th ARD International Music Competition in Munich.
Composition and Artistic Collaborations
In addition to his performance career, Michaud is active as a composer. His works span chamber music and electronic music, often exploring new sonic territories. He is also a member of the rap collective Codex Dissident, where he creates electronic compositions that blend classical and urban musical styles. .
A Look into Gabriel's Setup
Marimba Mallets Jasmin Kolberg Solo 4
The Jasmin Kolberg Solo 4 are premium marimba mallets with a rubber core that produce an exceptionally warm and full-bodied sound. Thanks to generous wool yarn wrapping and a looser winding, the Solo 4 deliver a smooth legato effect on gentle strokes. With more dynamic playing, the sound becomes clearer and more direct while remaining warm and round across all volume levels. Ideal for compositions requiring expressive rolls and warm, singing passages.
Compared to the more articulated Solo 3 (less yarn and tighter winding), the Solo 4 provide the perfect legato character with consistently warm tone – the top choice for professional marimbists seeking depth and warmth.
Photo Credits: Venera Red