Michael McClintock

Michael McClintock: Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Educator

Michael McClintock is an internationally acclaimed musician known for his genre-defying artistry and deep-rooted passion for musical traditions from around the world. A master of the guitar and Cuban Tres, Michael’s work blends Jazz, Flamenco, Brazilian, Cuban, and Classical styles into a voice that is unmistakably his own.

He holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory (2006), where he studied with renowned guitarist Douglas Niedt. He later pursued specialized studies in Jazz, Flamenco, Brazilian, and Cuban music—developing a particular expertise on the Cuban Tres under master musicians Dr. Efrain Amador and César Hechavarria.

Musical Career

Michael’s professional journey began at the Manos Rojas School of Flamenco in Kansas City. In 2007, he co-founded Alma Flamenca, an ensemble dedicated to Spanish flamenco traditions, and in 2010, formed Mistura Fina, a Brazilian jazz group that became a fixture of Kansas City’s vibrant music scene.

In 2012, he co-founded Broken String, an innovative project blending North American jazz, Spanish flamenco, and Brazilian rhythms. His travels to Cuba beginning in 2013 deepened his connection to Cuban music and launched him into international recognition as a dynamic and original Tresero.

Ensemble Iberica & Cubanisms

Since 2013, Michael has been a core member of Ensemble Iberica, performing music from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Through this work, he has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Grammy winner Mireya Ramos and the legendary Texmaniacs.

In 2016, Michael and his wife, Dálida T. Pupo Barrios, founded Cubanisms—a cultural initiative combining curated travel experiences to Cuba with a music ensemble of the same name. Their albums Acento Cubano (2017) and Trilingual (2019) received praise for their bold fusion of Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with modern jazz, earning acclaim in the U.S., Cuba, and Colombia.

Recent Work & New Release

In 2023, Michael relocated to Paris, France, opening a fresh chapter in his musical journey. His latest release, Here and There (2025), is his first full-length album of all-original compositions—an intimate and expansive musical voyage shaped by life and work across the United States, Cuba, and France.

Composed and recorded in these three countries, the 12-track album blends the rich traditions of Classical, Jazz, Brazilian, and Cuban music into a singular artistic voice. Michael performs every part himself, playing steel-string, nylon-string, electric guitar, and Cuban Tres with melodic clarity and harmonic depth.

Here and There is not only a showcase of Michael’s versatility, but a heartfelt expression of his musical identity—rooted in tradition and shaped by global experience. While the album moves fluidly through the languages of Jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, and Classical music, each track stands on its own, with influences emerging naturally. The result is a vibrant and thoughtful body of work that honors Michael’s diverse roots while carving out a sound entirely his own.

Collaborations & Recognition

Michael has performed at international festivals including the Jazz Plaza in Havana and has appeared in DVD releases by Cuba’s Bismusic label. He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Janio Abreu, Victor Goines, and Ivan "Melon" Lewis.

He is also a member of Slim Hanson and The Poor Choices, contributing to their 2023 album Sin Fronteras, which featured collaborations with Grammy-winning artists and was considered for Grammy nomination.

Michael was nominated “Best Musician – Kansas City” by The Pitch in 2018 and 2019, and his ensemble Cubanisms received nominations for “Best Local Band.

Composer & Educator

A dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience, Michael shares his knowledge through online lessons, workshops, and his widely followed YouTube channel. His teaching focuses on Jazz, Brazilian music, and the Cuban Tres, reaching students around the world with insight, technique, and heart.