Mike Pendowski has been an active force in the commercial music industry for over a decade. He has written and produced music for TV and radio commercials and industrials for the last fifteen years, including campaigns for many major corporations. His work has won several awards including two Golden Lions and an Eddy. His film projects include the Grammy-winning Dead Presidents, Orson Welles' Othello (restored), and Our Father. In addition he has worked as composer/arranger/producer on over a dozen albums.

Mike has published dozens of compositions and is an active clinician and educator. He has worked as a freelance performer, appearing with Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Aretha Franklin, Carol Lawrence, George Shearing, Ray Charles, and The Jazz Orchestra of America. He received a master's degree from Northwestern University and has served on the faculty at DePaul University, Vandercook College of Music, Harper Community College, and Wheaton-Warrenville High School, as well as directing jazz ensembles at Northwestern University. Mike is a member of N.A.R.A.S. and is on its Board of Governors.