Mikhail Iakovlev was born in Moscow. In 1971 he graduated from Moscow Gnessin Musical Institute (MA viola, professor A. V. Bagrintsev) as a violist. During his long career, Mikhail Iakovlev has worked in a few orchestras:

1973 – 1977: The Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra of the Radio and Television of the USSR;

1977 – 1990:  Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow Philharmonic (1987 - 1990 principal viola);

1990 – 2011:  Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra (principal viola).

1987 – 2011: Several solo performances, including various viola concertos performed with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

1995-2005: Bergen Philharmonic Viola Ensemble (founder and leader).

In addition to the performing career, since 1995 Mikhail Iakovlev has transcribed and arranged several music pieces for various instruments and ensembles (string duet, trio, quartet, quintet; viola ensemble, voice with various instruments, organ).