"Michael Bettine is a percussionist specializing in metal (instruments)...Sinking into Bettine's sound world is fascinating and inspiring." - Modern Drummer Magazine

"Beautifully played compositions... quite original and exciting percussion music." - Hal Rammel, WMSE radio

Michael Bettine has worked as a percussionist and composer for over 30 years now. In that time he has moved from the progressive rock of the 1970s, to jazz, free jazz, improv, and composed percussion music. His work expands the role of percussion-as-time keeper, into realms of texture-as-sound & rhythm.

To this end, he currently works extensively with Gongs and metal percussion. Discovering Asian Gamelan music in the late 1970s, and the minimalist works of Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and others, Michael went on to compose expanded works for multiple Gongs where rhythm & melody became one. His current project, GONGTOPIA, brings percussion to the forefront in a one man solo performance. Using an array of 40 Gongs, from 6" to 32" in diameter, Michael?s music is a panoply of metallic soundscapes and haunting melodies. He draws heavily on the spiritual aspect of his instruments, sacred geometry, and the traditions of cultures from around the world.