His interest in composition and conducting led him to Indiana University. It was there that he met and became a student of the legendary violist, William Primrose, who inspired Michael to devote himself to the viola. Upon graduation from Indiana, Michael was invited to be Assistant Conductor and Violist with the Dallas Symphony under Anshel Brusilow. He moved to Los Angeles, California to conduct the YMF Debut Orchestra from 1973 to 1975, and was a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with Sir Neville Marriner until 1980. In 1980, Michael Nowak began his association as a violinist with Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival and traveled to Europe for a series of concert tours and recording with the Stuttgart Bach Collegium.

In 1984, Mr. Nowak became the Music Director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, a position he continues to hold.

Nowak has served as Conductor of the Monterey Chamber Orchestra and has appeared as guest conductor for the Oregon Mozart Players, the Oregon Bach Festival Chamber Orchestra, the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, and the USC Chamber Orchestra.

He has continued his career as a violist with the Music for Mischa String Quartet, as principal violist of the Oregon Bach Festival and San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and as guest artist with the Angeles String Quartet, Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Festival, the Pacific Serenades, Musical Offering Ensemble and the Kingston Chamber Music Festival. He is a featured soloist on the Oregon Bach Festival's Brandenburg Concerti recording with Helmuth Rilling.

He is also a studio musician and conductor.