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Michael Aram Hovnanian was born and raised in the metro Detroit area. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees under the instruction of Jack Budrow at Michigan State University, and bachelor's degrees in both music and music education from Central Michigan University. He has also studied with Stephen Molina and Larry Hutchinson of the Detroit Symphony, Robert Goodlett of the Indianapolis Symphony, and Lawrence Angell, former principal of the Cleveland Orchestra.

Hovnanian is the assistant principal bassist of the Grand Rapids Symphony, having previously served as a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s bass section. In addition, he performs frequently on the electric bass with the GR Pops, is a member of a GRS Educational Ensemble (The Super Nova String Quintet) and participates in the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music for Health program.

A lifelong Michigan resident, he has performed with numerous orchestras throughout the state, including the Detroit Symphony, and has held positions with the Kalamazoo, West Michigan, Midland, and Lansing symphonies. He has also appeared as both a soloist and as principal bass with the Baroque on Beaver festival and is an avid chamber musician.

Hovnanian is an active double bass educator, serving on faculty at several west Michigan colleges in addition to instructing a private studio.