I have over 20 years of experience with digital audio and I'm a graduate of the Audio Recording Technology Institute. During my time at ARTI, I learned extensively about analog and digital recording equipment, mixing in stereo and surround formats, tracking, microphone placement, sound design, and mastering. I'm an Avid-certified Pro Tools operator, having used the program professionally since 2005, and I frequently use Logic Studio as my primary compositional tool. I also had the opportunity to intern with renowned mastering engineer Bob Katz at Digital Domain, where I gained deep insights into audio mastering workflow and advanced dynamics processing. Aside from my audio engineering expertise, I bring a strong background as a musician, music educator, and composer. I've offered guitar and audio production lessons since 2010 and studied music theory, arranging, composition, and improvisation at the University of Maine and Western Connecticut State University. I hold a BA in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology and an MS in Cyber Security with a focus on IT Management. In 2023, I was accepted into Berklee's graduate program in Film Scoring and am working towards that degree with a current GPA of 3.9. My combined experience in music, education, and IT management has helped me develop excellent communication, planning, and leadership skills.

Michael Henss

PRO

I have over 20 years of experience with digital audio and I'm a graduate of the Audio Recording Technology Institute. During my time at ARTI, I learned extensively about analog and digital recording equipment, mixing in stereo and surround formats, tracking, microphone placement, sound design, and mastering. I'm an Avid-certified Pro Tools operator, having used the program professionally since 2005, and I frequently use Logic Studio as my primary compositional tool. I also had the opportunity to intern with renowned mastering engineer Bob Katz at Digital Domain, where I gained deep insights into audio mastering workflow and advanced dynamics processing. Aside from my audio engineering expertise, I bring a strong background as a musician, music educator, and composer. I've offered guitar and audio production lessons since 2010 and studied music theory, arranging, composition, and improvisation at the University of Maine and Western Connecticut State University. I hold a BA in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology and an MS in Cyber Security with a focus on IT Management. In 2023, I was accepted into Berklee's graduate program in Film Scoring and am working towards that degree with a current GPA of 3.9. My combined experience in music, education, and IT management has helped me develop excellent communication, planning, and leadership skills.

Available to hire

I have over 20 years of experience with digital audio and I’m a graduate of the Audio Recording Technology Institute. During my time at ARTI, I learned extensively about analog and digital recording equipment, mixing in stereo and surround formats, tracking, microphone placement, sound design, and mastering. I’m an Avid-certified Pro Tools operator, having used the program professionally since 2005, and I frequently use Logic Studio as my primary compositional tool. I also had the opportunity to intern with renowned mastering engineer Bob Katz at Digital Domain, where I gained deep insights into audio mastering workflow and advanced dynamics processing.

Aside from my audio engineering expertise, I bring a strong background as a musician, music educator, and composer. I’ve offered guitar and audio production lessons since 2010 and studied music theory, arranging, composition, and improvisation at the University of Maine and Western Connecticut State University. I hold a BA in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology and an MS in Cyber Security with a focus on IT Management. In 2023, I was accepted into Berklee’s graduate program in Film Scoring and am working towards that degree with a current GPA of 3.9. My combined experience in music, education, and IT management has helped me develop excellent communication, planning, and leadership skills.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert

Language

Work Experience

Music Educator at Tunelark
January 1, 2025 - Present
Providing guitar and bass instruction through an online music education platform since 2025.
Composer at Stitched In Red
January 1, 2025 - Present
Composed original music score for a short film focusing on family trauma and inverted parent/child relationships in 2025.
Show Director at School of Rock
January 1, 2024 - August 26, 2025
Oversaw all aspects of show production to ensure quality execution. Enhanced music instruction programs including private lessons and shows. Developed local community relationships to promote the school from 2022 to 2024.
Audio Editor and Producer at Instrumentality
January 1, 2015 - Present
Co-produced, recorded, edited, and mixed episodes for a podcast primarily featuring instrumental music.
Composer at Jingle Punks
January 1, 2013 - Present
Composed, recorded, and mixed music for licensing in film, television, radio, and video games since 2013.
Studio Instructor Coordinator at Guitar Center
January 1, 2018 - August 26, 2025
Managed a team of 12 instructors across various instruments and styles. Led a team achieving a top 4 nationwide ranking in student retention. Implemented a universally adopted student practice log from 2012 to 2018.
Music Educator at Henss Music School
January 1, 2011 - Present
Owner and sole instructor providing in-home and online music education services across Fairfield and New Haven County. Topics taught include playing technique, ear training, music theory, songwriting, and audio production since 2011.

Education

Master of Arts, Film Scoring (Courses completed) at Berklee College of Music
January 1, 2024 - August 26, 2025
Master of Science, Cyber Security, IT Management Concentration at Southern New Hampshire University
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2020
Bachelor of Arts, General Studies, Psychology Concentration at Southern New Hampshire University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
Diploma, Comprehensive Audio Engineering Program at Audio Recording Technology Institute
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

Audio Engineering Certification
January 1, 2009 - August 26, 2025
Pro Tools Operator Certification
January 1, 2005 - August 26, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services
    uniE603 The Reveries
    This was written for the opening sequence of a short film, one in which we see a child playing out in the wilderness. music instrumental soundtrack filmscore
    uniE603 Lonesome Turmoil
    This piece was written for a sad and intense scene in a short film. music instrumental soundtrack filmscore
    uniE603 No More Joking Around
    This piece is a trailer rescore for a very popular film about a villain who wears clown makeup and laughs a lot. instrumental music soundtrack filmscore