Clarity of Melody with intense rhythms is a key element in the music of Chip Michael. He feels it is important the listener have something to grasp in terms of melody while providing interesting, intricate rhythms, odd meter and complex counterpoint. The unique blend of rhythms and melody are what make Chip's music appealing to audiences of all types from around the world.

Boulder Symphony Orchestra announced Chip Michael as Composer-in-Residence for their 2010-2011 season. Conductor Devin Hughes created the appointment along with commissioning a new work for the BSO, Exchanging Glances. In 2010-11 the BSO also performed You Can't Catch Rabbits with Drums, the 3rd movement from Chip?s Symphony No. 1. Earlier in 2010 the Lamont Symphony Orchestra premiered Cantilenas.

With the assistance of the Napier Development Fund, the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra premiered Chip's Symphony No. 1 Figuratively Speaking in June 2008. A grant from Lloyds TSB Arts Foundation funded The Edinburgh Quartet premiere of Skimming Rock & Skipping Stones. The quartet has performed numerous other works by Chip over the past five years. The OneMile Programme funded the film "Under Assured" featuring Chip's music as well as sound design.