John Michael Hayes began his musical career as a Texas All-State Euphoniumist, graduating from Plano Senior High School in 1979. He holds the positions of assistant principal trombone with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and adjunct professor of trombone at Texas Christian University. He has performed with the FWSO since 1982.

Mike graduated from Northwestern University with a Master of Music degree, studying with the finest brass players in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and is also a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington. He has performed with the Arlington Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. He is an active Fort Worth/Dallas freelance artist and soloist.

Mike's hobbies include Rangers baseball, investment finance and fine cigars.