Michael R. Barker came to Black Mountain as Music Minister and Organist in 2007 after 
16 years in Richmond, VA serving in similar positions at Crestwood Presbyterian Church 
and Bon Air United Methodist Church.

Mike began music studies at the age of 12, learning piano from private teachers and 
trumpet in public schools.  He took his first paid position as a church musician at the age
of 14, as organist for Calvary United Methodist Church, Durham, NC.  While in college 
he was musician for two different Presbyterian Churches in the Greensboro, NC area.
He accompanied his college choir frequently, played in college musicals, and traveled 
extensively with the choir.

Mike is a graduate of Guilford College, Greensboro, NC, and Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC. 
He has done further study in composition at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.  He is active in the 
following professional organizations, having served on local and/or regional governing bodies for each:  American
Guild of Organists, Organ Historical Society, Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and American
Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

In addition to his work for the church, Mike is an active published composer.  In 2008 his commissioned anthem for 
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church's centennial, I lift my eyes (Psalm 121) was performed in a festive worship setting. 
His anthem for children, Miriam's Song, is published by Choristers Guild.  His set of organ music, Three Festive Pieces for 
Christmastide, is published by Warner Bros. Music.  His collection Three Carols for Flute and Organ is published by 
MorningStar Music.  Others of his music and teaching resources have been published by Abingdon Press, including 
Church Music Workshop.  He has many other works for various ensembles and instruments not yet published,
especially for organ and solo flute with organ accompaniment.

Michael is married to Elizabeth Barksdale Barker, a development associate at Manna Food Bank in Asheville. Together 
they have three sons, Eli (middle school), Briggs (primary school), and Calvin (pre-school).