Michael Blake

Michael Blake is Director of Jazz Studies and teaches Applied Percussion at the University of North Dakota. A native of North Dakota, he received his Bachelors in Music Education and Master's from the University of North Dakota. Michael directs the Jazz Ensemble, the Percussion Ensemble, and coaches Jazz Combos. Other responsibilies include Applied Percussion, Percussion Methods, Jazz Improvisation and special topics such as Jazz Piano Voicing, the History of Big Bands, and Advanced Improvisation. Michael has studies with artists such as Ruben Alvarez, Marvin Dahlgren, Neil Grover, Gordy Knudtson, Mike Manieri, Arthur Press, Christos Rafalides, Ed Saindon and Gordon Stout. He is a clinician for LUDWIG/Musser, Paiste Cymbals, and Latin Percussion. As a performer, he has played with the following artists in a supportive role: Bob Hope, Della Reese, Gordon MaCrae, Jack Jones, Vicki Carr, The Smothers Brothers, Clark Terry, Howard Roberts, and Ed Saindon. As well as performing, Michael has published two solo contest snare drum books with Studio 4 Music, a division of Marimba Productions, Inc. He is also active in ajudicating solo contests and jazz festivals.