Michael Habermann was born in Paris, and has lived in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He began his musical studies at the age of 14. His principal piano instructors have been Fernando Laires, Hilde Somer, and Carlos Vazquez. He holds a Doctorate from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (1985), a Master's Degree in Composition from Long Island University (1979), a Bachelor's Degree from the same institution (1978), and an Associate Degree from Nassau Community College (1976).

After his New York debut in 1977, Dr. Habermann presented recitals and lecture-recitals at various piano festivals and colleges, some of which were broadcast by the Voice of America and National Public Radio.

While he has a wide range of musical interests, Michael Habermann's special devotion to the music of English-Parsi composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji (1892-1988) has resulted in several first performances and four highly acclaimed recordings. His album of the piano music of Alexandre Rey Colaço forms an important part of an anthology of Portuguese music.

Dr. Habermann's chapter in Remembering Horowitz - 125 Pianists Recall a Legend
(edited by David Dubal; New York, 1993) pays tribute to the great pianist. His contribution to Sorabji: A Critical Celebration (edited by Paul Rapoport; Hampshire, England, 1992) is the first really thorough analysis of this composer's unique piano style.

Michael Habermann is married to Claudette Lindsay whose radio interviews with leading Caribbean personalities and programs of Jamaican music established her as a specialist in this field. The couple's bustling household is completed by their sons, Michael Alexander and William Christopher, a daughter, Lindsay Deysson, and by Claudette's daughter Q-Anna.

He teaches week-long courses in various musical topics at Peabody, teaches privately, and plays the organ in church on Sundays. At home he has composed a number of works for the piano.