Prof. Spira (aka Dr. N. Michael Goecke) is a jazz trombonist, ethnomusicologist (person who specializes in the study of musical cultures), university lecturer, published author, and band leader. He holds a BM degree in jazz trombone performance (cum laude) and a MM in jazz studies (summa cum laude) from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, as well as a MA in African American and African Studies and a PhD in musicology, both from the Ohio State University. From 2006-08 he taught as a lecturer of music and Africana Studies at Northern Kentucky University where he instructed Survey of African-American Music and Music of World Cultures. He returned to Ohio State in spring 2018 to instruct MUSIC 2253 Introduction to Jazz. His academic research interests include jazz performance, jazz history, jazz education, and music-making cultures of the world.
As a professional musician, he has had the privilege of performing with some of the world's greatest musicians, such as Columbus saxophone legend Gene Walker, Grammy Award winning trumpeter Brian Lynch, Foley McCreary (Miles Davis’ former lead bassist from Columbus, OH), George Clinton, Cincinnati bassist Bootsy Collins, Grammy Award nominee Bobby Floyd, Roy Ayers, and many others. Spira has been a street performer since 2003, where he loves the freedom and ability to share his music with people who do not frequent jazz clubs or music festivals. In 2019, Spira gave presentation at the Ohio State University TEDx event entitled "Cultivating Creativity and Community Through Street Music." In addition to the Fire Music Project, Spira is co-founder of the Breathairean Ensemble, an all-vegetarian jazz collective that performs music inspired by the mucus-free lifestyles led by its members.
Prof. Spira is also founder and CEO of Mucus-free Life LLC, an organization dedicated to educating the world about the benefits of a mucus-free lifestyle. He has published several books related to natural health, including the best-selling Annotated, Revised, and Edited, Mucusless Diet Healing System.
CLICK HERE to see Prof. Spira's EPK Promo Video (Includes clips from his lectures).