Born in Chicago of Assyrian descent, Michael Zerang has been a professional musician since 1976, operating in a remarkably wide range of contexts including free jazz & improvisation, contemporary composition, experimental theatre and dance. He is also a highly respected teacher, not just of percussion techniques but also of related subjects such as rhythmic analysis and sound design.

As a performer he has remained constantly active on the Chicago scene, but has also worked extensively with leading European improvisers such as saxophonists Peter Brötzmann, John Butcher and Tony Bevan, and the Swedish pianist Sten Sandell.