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Michael Walk: Saxophone

Michael Walk: SaxophoneMichael Walk: SaxophoneMichael Walk: Saxophone

Based in the Twin Cities Area, Saxophonist Michael Walk is an accomplished and versatile performer and composer.

Contact

Michael Walk: Saxophone

Michael Walk: SaxophoneMichael Walk: SaxophoneMichael Walk: Saxophone

Based in the Twin Cities Area, Saxophonist Michael Walk is an accomplished and versatile performer and composer.

Contact

Michael Walk: Testamonials

"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

About: Bio

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, Rush River Delta, and others.


He is currently a member of the the JAZZAX Saxophone quartet. The JAZZAX Sax 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 was on the faculty of the SHELL LAKE ARTS CENTER. teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation from 1990-2022.

W/ Mike James Group on New Years Eve 2022

New Years Eve Jazz Combo: Live at the Starlite Lounge, La Crosse WI

Video: w/Rush River Delta

11/19/2022 Live at the Broadway Concert

Mike Walk Group at Widespot 11/6/2021

Photography credit to Anne Queenan and Fred Harding.

Video: w/Jazzax on tv kare 11

"Octabop" by, Dave Milne w/JAZZAX

Lead Alto Promoting "Sax Day" at KARE 11

Audio: "Naima"

"Naima"

 by John Coltrane

arr. Mike Walk

All parts performed by Mike Walk.


Audio: "I'm Free"

Written by: Russ Freeman


Alto Solo with the JAZZAX Sax Quartet.

Dave Milne: Soprano/Alto

Mike Walk: Alto

Pete Whitman: Tenor

Greg Keel: Bari

Audio: "serenata"

As performed by Cannonball Adderley


Recorded in 1991 while in college at UW-Eau Claire with friends:

Reid Anderson, Bass (The Bad Plus)

Ethan Iverson, Piano (The Bad Plus)

Chris "Chicken" Wise, Drums

SAX EQUIPMENT :

Soprano: 

Yamaha 62 (Seriel #4000's), 

Mpc: Guy Hawkins Hard Rubber 7

Reeds: Vandoren Blue Box


Alto: 

Selmer Mark VI (#104,000's) 

Mpc:  Vandoren v16 8S

("Shmedium"-I opened it up a bit)

Reeds: Vandoren Java


Tenor: 

Selmer Mark VI (#105,000's) 

Mpc: Retro Revival “Bob Sheppard” Model 8

Reeds: D'Addario Jazz Select

Rock: SR Technologies "Pro”


Bari: 

Yamaha 52 

Mpc: Vandoren V16 HR 9

Reeds: Vandoren Blue Box

Rock: D'Addario Plasticover


Clarinet:

Buffett E12

Mpc: M13Lyre

Reeds: Mitchell Lurie 3.5


Flute:

Yamaha 485II

Photo Gallery

Performing with Dick Oatts

    VIRTUAL/ONLINE LESSONS:

    Online Coaching:

    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 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. 

    Tips:

    • There is often a delay and performing things together (as a duet) is difficult, expect to play back and forth a lot.
    • A  laptop  with  a  bluetooth  speaker  placed  across  the  room  also  works  well.
    • Place  your  device in a spot that is far enough away from your instrument to avoid distortion. A few feet is recommended.
    • I  will  often  share  files  or  recordings  with  you  from  my  Google  Drive.  You  may  want  to  have  a  free  Google  Drive  set  up  ahead  of  time.

    Materials for improvisation:


    Advanced Jazz Improvisation Materials:


    Research Project(Final) (pdf)Download
    Like Someone in Love (Dex_Trane_Gonz) (pdf)Download

    Contact

    Let's Connect!

    Do you have questions?

    Want to book a show,?

    Interested in Saxophone? 

    Reach out and let's make it happen. 


    Best,


    Mike

    www.walksax.com

    Pepin, Wisconsin, United States

    (715) 441-6071

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