Songwriting with Michael I.

Trumpeter and composer Mike I. grew up in New York City. Inspired by the sounds he heard throughout his youth he studied Jazz at the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase where was the student of trumpet legend Jon Faddis. Since graduating Mike has made contributions to albums by artists as diverse as The Chieftains, Vampire Weekend, Brazilian Girls, The Budos Band, and TV on the Radio. Michael has become a presence on the vibrant New York Jazz and new music scene playing in ensembles led by artists like Kenny Wollesen, Federico Ughi and David White. He also leads the Highline Jazz Quartet, a group exploring the American songbook and Jazz canon, as well as The Brooklyn Bears, a trio that plays original and improvised compositions. Mike's musical interests have led to fruitful collaborations and international tours with singer songwriters like Elvis Perkins and Jocie Adams as well as with bands including The Walkmen, The Low Anthem, and The Woes. Mike has taught trumpet and music theory for over 15 years. His love for teaching runs parallel to his passion for performing. He has taught beginners the fundamentals of the instrument and has he has taught improvisers of all levels the basics of playing jazz and other styles of music. Inspired to bring out the best in each individual, his teaching philosophy encourages independent thought and analysis, propelling to students to become their own teachers. Mike has taught privately since he was a student at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, and continued to teach young trumpeters in New York City through the Harmony Program after college. He has given master classes at Xavier High School and has been a clinician at The Talkeetna Jazz Workshop in Alaska, an effort funded by Chamber Music America that resulted in three summers of successful workshops. Lessons with Mike are relaxed, fun, and focused on you achieving your musical goals.