Michelle Canning

Michelle Canning was just 8 years old the day her grandfather put a banjo in her arms and in that moment, she knew she’d found her anchor. She hasn’t looked back. 

A singer-songwriter with Massachusetts roots, Michelle makes her home in Nashville, TN where she divides her time between performing, recording, writing, teaching banjo, and as a guide at the Grand Ole Opry. 

“I love being a performer, I love being on stage,” Michelle says. “And I truly love writing music.” She writes daily, even if it’s just to drop words and ideas into her phone for later contemplation. Her performances are a combination of her original compositions and familiar favorites. 

She has released three albums. “The Flower and the Serpent” (2015), a collection of songs about love that feels sweet but has a poisonous bite. 

Her second is “The Next Eleven Miles” (2018), about her journey from college into the unknown but very real world.  

“Outside the Lines” (2024) features all original music with a fresh country edge.

Most recently, Michelle releaed “Hey! Have You Heard?” (2025), a collection of original Christmas music sharing the story of Christ's birth from various persepctives.

Michelle is a graduate of Morehead State University with a Bachelors degree in traditional music and a Masters in business administration. She is the only female and youngest person to earn the title New England Banjo Champion. 

In 2020, Michelle was nominated by industry peers for membership in The Recording Academy, the preeminent membership organization for performers, songwriters, producers and engineers, who work together to build a better and more inspiring world for music and its makers. 

Whether wrapped in blue velvet and satin, or simple jeans and a shirt, Michelle sparkles with passion for the music that fuels her soul. To hear her perform is a joy. 

Her best advice: “Be unapologetically yourself and don't let your head get in the way of your heart.”

~Written by Penny Richards~