Michael Riesman has been a long time collaborator of legendary composer Philip Glass. Michael Riesman works with Glass in many capacities. He is the musical director of the Philip Glass Ensemble (while also serving as a keyboard player therein), synthesizer technician, producer, and "orchestrator" of Philip Glass's ensemble music.

Michael Riesman and Dennis Russell Davies are the most frequent conductors of Glass's musical recordings and live performances. During live performances, Michael Riesman is the conductor when the Philip Glass Ensemble plays while Dennis Russell Davies has generally performed this duty when other orchestras perform Glass's works.

Michael Riesman is an accomplished pianist and composer in his own right with several releases. In addition he has released three solo piano interpretations of Philip Glass's works: Philip Glass : Dracula, Philip Glass : Music From "The Hours" Solo Piano and Philip Glass Soundtracks.