Born in Heidelberg, Germany, where he was given his first opportunity to show his musical talent at a school performance at the age of eight, in front of an audience of 200 people. This early success led to an eager decision to become a guitarist. He made his living by performing in clubs and at private parties.
Michael began to travel to Spain to attend classes with John Williams. In France he worked with such masters as Manuel Barrueco and Eduardo Falu. In 1986 Michael graduated from the prestigious "Hochschule fuer Musik des Rheinlandes" in Cologne, Germany and started to give concerts throughout Europe.
Michael Zanabili's playing is built on emotions and feelings rather than structures and tradition, something that always troubled him during his classical studies in Germany. Working with Barrueco and Falu confirmed his belief to listen to your heart first.