Michael Jochum

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Challenge: Spina Bifida

Website: facebook.com/UpFromTheNorth/

Michael Jochum likes to describe his career in the music business as the dream within a dream. Michael says "When I was 12 years old, I sat at a friends drum set, picked up the drumsticks, and knew immediately that this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life."

Beginning his musical life in the late 1970s in Los Angeles, Michael knew that the best way to make a living in the Business of music was to carve out a niche for himself in the recording industry. He says "I came on the scene during a fertile time in the television and movie Industry, so I began performing on television and film scores. My very first recording session was for the theme of the television show Happy Days."

Thus began a career in the music business that would span over 30 years.

Michael's musical journey would encompass over 100 television and film scores, as well as hundreds of record albums. Michael has toured with some of the finest artist of our time, including Jackson Browne in the 90s, Christina Aguilera in the 2000s, and finally with the nu-metal rock band Korn and Jonathan Davis.”

While Korn drummer David Silvera went on hiatus in 2006, Michael took over as lead drummer. His chops were on display for all to see during Korn's appearance on MTV: Unplugged.

Michael left the back-up band shortly after Korn's 2007 European Tour, due to setlist changes that did not involve his drumming.

Michael returned to the Korn world in November 2007 following Joey Jordison's return to Slipknot. He was also a member of Jonathan Davis' acoustic solo tour band - Jonathon Davis & The SFA.

Having been born with the neural tube defect spina bifida, Michael has experienced many surgeries in the past eight years, which finally led to his retirement from the music business.

Michael says "I had discovered yoga in my mid 20s and always had a passion for it, but it was only a couple of years ago that I rediscovered it, and found my spiritual practice deeply embodied in the principles of yogic philosophy."

Today Michael practices yoga with devotion, and do his best to be of service to the world community; creating his personal Dharma.

Michael is currently playing in Denver band Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts.

Michael Jochum with KORN on MTV Unplugged - "Blind"