Michel Dispa studied cello with his father Robert Dispa and with Heinrich Schiff in Basel. Additionally, he took lessons with Frans Helmerson, Martin Ostertag and Harro Ruijsenaars, obtaining his soloist diploma with distinction. He was awarded the ‘Zilveren Vriendenkrans’ Of the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

Michel Dispa was Solo Cellist with the symphony orchestra of the Saarländischer Rundfunk in Saarbrücken and the Swedish chamber orchestra  Camerata Roman. Furthermore, he performed as a soloist and played chamber music with various ensembles.

From 1989 to 2006, Michel was principal subject teacher of cello at various conservatories, including the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. From 2003 to 2009 he was Head of Clsssical Music at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen and subsequently Associate Director/Head of Classical Music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Since 2013, he has held the position of senior adviser programme development, teacher of chamber music. Additionally, he is chair of the CvA exam committee.