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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

(715) 441-6071

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

(715) 441-6071

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. 



Performances:

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. 

Education&Teaching:

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 Group at Widespot 11/6/2021

Photography credit to Anne Queenan and Fred Harding.

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

Equipment:

Soprano: 

Yamaha 62 (Seriel #4000's), 

Mpc: SR Tech "Legend" Hard Rubber

Reeds: D'Addario Hemke, Grand Concert Select


Alto: 

Selmer Mark VI (#104,000's) 

Mpc:  Meyer NY USA 6 Large Chamber

    or Phil Barone NY

Reeds: Rigotti Gold 3


Tenor: 

Selmer Mark VI (#105,000's) 

Mpc: MACSAX “Bob Sheppard” Model

Reeds: Rigotti Gold

Rock: SR Technologies "Pro”


Bari: 

Yamaha 52 

Mpc: VanDoren v16 HR 9

Reeds: Vandoren Blue Box

Rock "Doc" Reeds: D'Addario Plasticover 2's


Clarinet:

Buffett E12

Mpc: M13Lyre

Reeds: Mitchell Lurie 3.5


Flute:

Yamaha 485II


Photo Gallery: Photos by my daughter reese Walk


    Audio: "Son"

    Composed by Doug Little, as performed by the JAZZAX Sax Quartet:

    Dave Milne, Soprano Sax

    Mike Walk, Alto Sax

    Pete Whitman, Tenor Sax

    Greg Keel, Bari Sax

    Audio: "Naima"

     by John Coltrane

    arr. Mike Walk

    All parts performed by Mike Walk.


    Audio: "Red Bank Blues"

    Composed by Laura Caviani


    Performed by the JAZZAX Sax Quartet

    Dave Milne, Soprano

    Mike Walk, Alto

    Pete Whitman, Tenor

    Greg Keel, Bari

    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

    Video: w/the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orcehstra

    Lead Alto and Jammin' on "Deck the Halls" 

    With Tenor Saxophonist Sue Orfield and the CVJO (2017)

    Video: w/Jazzax on tv kare 11

    "Octabop" by, Dave Milne w/JAZZAX

    Lead Alto

    Promoting "Sax Day" at KARE 11

    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  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. 

    How to have a Long Distance Lesson:

    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.

    Google “Duo” App or “FaceTime”

    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/

    Tips:

    • There is often a delay and performing things together (as a duet) is difficult, expect to play back and forth a lot.
    • Have your speaker or stereo nearby, feel free to play along with background tracks or recordings.
    • I  will  often  use  two  devices,  one  for  the  Google  Duo  video,  and  one  for  the  audio  control.  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. About 5 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:

    Shell Lake Jazz Camp Improvisation Materials:

    (Google Drive Folder)


    Private Sax Lessons:

    Jazz Saxophone Improvisation Materials:

    (Google Drive Folder)


    Saxophone "Boot Camp" Materials: Here are some essential skills to master as a saxophonist!

    (Google Drive Folder)


    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, or are you interested in Saxophone or Clarinet Lessons? Reach out and let's make it happen. 


    All the Best,


    Mike

    www.walksax.com

    Marsh Street West, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082, United States

    (715) 441-6071

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