He has studied the tuba, conducting, and “School Music II” at the Lucerne Conservatory (Lucerne University). He has a Master of Arts degree in all three fields of study. Schlüssel plays the tuba and the cimbasso for the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra. He has played several world premieres and recorded various CDs (amongst others for Howard Shore) with this orchestra which specialises in the performance of film scores live to projection. He has performed as a soloist as well as an orchestral musician in various countries in Europe and the US. Furthermore, Michael Schlüssel is the vice-principal and the head of the music department of the Kantonsschule Kollegium Schwyz (state high school) as well as the conductor of the community band of Brunnen (concert band). He regularly teaches workshops and additionally works as a guest soloist, guest conductor, composer, arranger, and expert.