Michael Phillip Zak is a composer and music theorist. He earned his PhD with distinction at SUNY University at Buffalo under Lejaren Hiller and Morton Feldman. His compositions include two symphonies, a musical, an opera, works for various instrumental ensembles, organ, piano, and guitar. His music has been performed on both US coasts, in Europe, and Asia, and has been recorded on the CRS label. He currently resides and teaches in Western New York.