Based in the Twin Cities Area, Saxophonist Michael Walk is an accomplished and versatile performer and composer.
Based in the Twin Cities Area, Saxophonist Michael Walk is an accomplished and versatile performer and composer.
"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 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
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.
Soprano:
Yamaha 62 (Seriel #4000's),
Mpc: Guy Hawkins 7
Reeds: Rigotti Classic, Rigotti Gold
Alto:
Selmer Mark VI (#104,000's)
Mpc: Berg Larsen HR 85/1M (Refaced by Frank Wells)
Small Group Mpc: Phil Barone HR 6M
Reeds: Rigotti Gold
Tenor:
Selmer Mark VI (#105,000's)
Mpc: Retro Revival “Bob Sheppard“ Model HR
Reeds: Rigotti Gold
Rock: SR Technologies "Pro”
Bari:
Yamaha 52
Mpc: Vandoren V16 HR 9
Reeds: Rigotti Gold
Rock: D'Addario Plasticover 2
Clarinet:
Buffett E12
Mpc: M13Lyre
Reeds: Mitchell Lurie 3.5
Flute:
Yamaha 485II
Performing with Dick Oatts
Advanced Jazz Improvisation Materials:
New Years Eve Jazz Combo: Live at the Starlite Lounge, La Crosse WI
Photography credit to Anne Queenan and Fred Harding.
11/19/2022 Live at the Broadway Concert
"Octabop" by, Dave Milne w/JAZZAX
Lead Alto Promoting "Sax Day" at KARE 11
by John Coltrane
arr. Mike Walk
All parts performed by Mike Walk.
Written by: Russ Freeman
Alto Solo with the JAZZAX Sax Quartet.
Dave Milne: Soprano/Alto
Mike Walk: Alto
Pete Whitman: Tenor
Greg Keel: Bari
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
Do you have questions?
Want to book a show?
Reach out and let's make it happen!
Best,
Mike
523 Marsh Street West, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082, United States
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