Michael Dolnikov a musician, pianist, musicologist, and piano teacher was born in Russia. He graduated in 1977 with a Masters Degree from Leningrad State Conservatory (now ST. Petersburg Music Academy)
In 1994 moved to Israel, where until 2002 played for Haifa Ballet School, School Vizo and Ballet studio. In 2002 he immigrated to the United States of America, where he has been playing extensively in companies such as the Mark Morris Dance Group, Cedar Lake Ensemble, and the most accredited schools like, Broadway Dance Center, Harkness Dance Center, New York Conservatory of Dance, Perry Dance Center and Ballet School New York (NY Theater Ballet)