For Michael Birnbryer-Lao, MM ’14, music and education have never been separate paths. His career has allowed him to teach while pursuing his passion for saxophone through Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Music in Performance. As a music teacher at Blair Middle and High School in Pasadena, Birnbryer-Lao has spent nearly two decades building programs, mentoring students, and creating opportunities for young musicians. In 2026, his work was recognized when he was named Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) Teacher of the Year.
For Birnbryer-Lao, his desire to become a teacher started when he was in third grade. “I remember deciding that I wanted to be either a math teacher or a music teacher, because those were my favorite subjects,” he said. Although his dreams shifted for a while when he was in high school, he fell back in love with the idea of being an educator when he began attending Berklee College of Music. “It was like I suddenly remembered my passion for teaching,” said Birnbryer-Lao. “I decided to double-major in jazz composition and education.” After finishing undergrad and teaching for several years, Birnbryer-Lao decided to further his education. “I first met Dave Beatty (APU professor emeritus) at Citrus College,” said Birnbryer-Lao. “Since I had been focusing on teaching for so long, I wanted to reinvest in my artistic development as a saxophonist. I reached out to Beatty several years later to learn more about opportunities to continue my musical development through APU’s music program.” Birnbryer-Lao primarily learned under Gary Foster, an adjunct professor and saxophone specialist, during his time at APU.
Birnbryer-Lao appreciates teaching because it allows him to encourage students to
continue progressing in music despite stumbling blocks.
“I want my students to be able to take me at my word when I tell them that they are
doing great.” Birnbryer-Lao has taught at Blair Middle and High School since 2008.
When he started, Blair’s music program was small, but he’s expanded and developed
new programs over the years, including orchestra, music production, modern band and
International Baccalaureate music. “It’s been phenomenal to see those programs grow
and to see the community support that has come along with them. Some of the programs
I started now have other staff teaching them, which has been really encouraging to
see,” he said. Birnbryer-Lao loves seeing his students perform and showcase the hard
work they have put into their craft. “I enjoy watching the connection between the
audience and the performers,” said Birnbryer-Lao. “I love pumping up the room and
being a hype man for the students.”
Birnbryer-Lao was thrilled to receive PUSD’s Teacher of the Year Award. “I am at a halfway point in my career,” said Birnbryer-Lao. “It felt very encouraging to be honored with the award, which further motivates me to keep doing what I am doing.” Birnbryer-Lao hopes that the music program at Blair continues to grow and looks forward to the opportunity to keep teaching students. “I want students to work hard and create beautiful things,” he said. Ultimately, Birnbryer-Lao is living out his calling as a music educator, drawing on the skills he learned at APU to help his students grow in their craft as musicians as well.