Michael Banks joined the Pittsburgh Symphony as Assistant Principal Bass in the Spring of 2025 under the direction of Manfred Honeck. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Juilliard School as a student of Rex Surany, and his master's degree from the Colburn School studying with Peter Lloyd.

Michael has performed as a substitute with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the L.A. Phil New Music Group, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. He has also been a fellow at the Center for Orchestral Leadership at the Aspen Music Festival and School.