Dr. Michael Bartnik currently serves as Chair of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar University. Before his current role, he held the position of Department Head and Associate Professor of Woodwinds at Nicholls State University.

During his tenure at Nicholls State University, Dr. Bartnik actively contributed to the academic community, serving on Faculty Senate and various university committees. He also played a pivotal role in the development of innovative courses and degree concentrations within the Department of Music. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as he conducted masterclasses at respected institutions such as the University of Maryland, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.

Since 2009, Dr. Bartnik has been a member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, contributing to a chamber recording released under the Sono Luminos label. His musical journey includes principal positions with Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Symphony, and Acadiana Symphony Orchestra; and a frequent performer with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Additional performances include the national Broadway tours of Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Little House on the Prairie as well as ensemble performances throughout Europe and chamber recitals throughout Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.