Michael regularly performs in the jazz and new music idioms, rock and commercial styles, and in numerous jazz ensembles and big bands.
Michael has been an instrumental music teacher for Stillwater (Minnesota) Schools since 2000, he is originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
Michael leads a jazz quintet "The Michael Walk Group" that features Bassist Chris Bates, Drummer Dr. Rich MacDonald, Guitarist Tommy Bentz, and Keyboardist Josh Gallagher.
He has also performed with various well known music groups such as The Temptations, Idina Menzel, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Doc Severinson, The Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, JAZZMN Big Band, The Minnesota Orchestra (Pops), Bob Hope, The Good Bad and the Funky, Sister Sledge, Franki Valli, Gladys Knight, Myron Floren, Artie Shaw Band, the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra, and others.
He is currently a member of the the JAZZAX Saxophone quartet. The JAZZAX Saxophone Quartet specializes in performing music that features improvisation, always creating spontaneous and engaging live performances.
After receiving his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1992, he worked as a musician for various cruise ship companies based in Miami, FL. He went on to obtain his Masters Degree in Music Education from UW-River Falls in 2002. He has served as an Instrumental Music Instructor for Stillwater Area Schools, Stillwater MN Since 2000.
Michael is on the faculty of the SHELL LAKE ARTS CENTER. Michael teaches saxophone, jazz improvisation, and directs ensembles at the summer Jazz Ensemble Camps. He has been on the SLAC Jazz Faculty since 1991.
"Mike Walk is a world class performer and educator who has earned the respect of the musicians he has performed with him, and the countless number of students he has mentored. His knowledge of the saxophone and his ability to effectively implement concepts with students also makes him a fantastic clinician and guest artist." -Tom Luer, LA Saxophonist, tomluer.com www.reverbnation.com/tomluer
"Michael Walk - master saxophonist, woodwind performer, composer/arranger, and music educator - is a highly accomplished musician of multifaceted artistic expertise, expressive musical creativity, and impressive instrumental virtuosity." -David Milne, D.M.A. Professor of Music - Saxophone and Jazz Studies, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
“I thought (and heard the same thoughts from other directors) that the (USCVMA Honors) Jazz band was one of the best we've had in recent years. Your choice of music and style of teaching really worked well with our students.” Art Aytay, Band Director, Osceola High School
"Michael Walk is a superb teaching artist. His students and ensembles are always great examples of his inspired teaching. At the Shell Lake Arts Center Jazz Camps his work, especially with young students, is remarkable. Mike is a great educator...organized, inspiring and a joy to work with!" -Greg Keel, Twin Cities Saxophonist, MacPhail, Carleton College, Hamline University
"I've been taking alto sax lessons for almost two years with Mike Walk. He is good at teaching both jazz and classical. He always makes sure I improve and that I have a good time playing." -Carl Gross, age 12
"Having a private lessons teacher who is very knowledgeable;e and skilled in jazz music has greatly improved my improv skills and has inspired me to pursuit jazz studies into college." -Anna Novaleny, Stillwater High School Bari Saxophonist
Soprano:
Yamaha 62 (Seriel #4000's),
Mpc: SR Tech "Legend" Hard Rubber
Reeds: D'Addario Hemke, Vandoren Blue Box
Alto:
Selmer Mark VI (#104,000's)
Mpc: Meyer NY USA 6 Large Chamber, and MACSAX “Bob Sheppard“ Model
Reeds: D'Addario Hemke, Vandoren Blue Box
Tenor:
Selmer Mark VI (#105,000's)
Mpc: MACSAX “Bob Sheppard” Model
Reeds: D'Addario Jazz Select, Hemke, Rigotti Gold
Rock: SR Technologies "Pro”
Reeds: Java Red
Bari:
Yamaha 52
Mpc: VanDoren v16 HR 9
Reeds: Vandoren Blue Box 2
Rock: Berg Larsen Metal 115/0
Reeds: Rico Plasticover
Clarinet:
Buffett E12
Mpc: M13Lyre
Reeds: Mitchell Lurie 3.5, Vandoren Traditional 3
Flute:
Yamaha 385
Live away from the Stillwater MN area? Are you on the road with your band or in college but want to get together to figure out something in your music?
Online Saxophone and Clarinet lessons are an available!
With 1:1 lessons you will get to work on ‘top-secret’ techniques specific to your instrument that are difficult to address in Band Class, as well as classical music styles, jazz and rock styles, and improvisation.
First, make sure you have the current version of either Google Duo or FaceTime. Then, at your lesson time, be near your device and I will place a video call to you at the prearranged number that you give me. If there are any issues, feel free to call me, my contact info is below.
The Google “Duo” app is the preferred app to use as it can be used by any operating system . However “FaceTime” is available too, Let me know if you prefer FaceTime. Up to 8 people can be on a Google Duo lesson at one time, so parents or friends can always listen in and participate, no matter where they are!
Info on Google Duo can be found here: https://duo.google.com/about/