Michael Parkinson

Michael Parkinson is a professional trumpeter, conductor, educator and clinician in metro Kansas City and is KHS America Educational Artist and an XO Professional Brass Artist. He is the leader of the TRINITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE, in residence at MidAmerica Nazarene University. He most recently served as Director of the School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University where he founded the IMPROV Ensemble and taught courses in jazz studies. He performed with the MTSU Jazztet on tours of China in 2017 and 2018, and was named Guest Professor of Performing Arts at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music. He previously held administrative and teaching appointments at Ohio University and Webster University in St. Louis. He taught courses in jazz studies, contemporary music, and entrepreneurship at Ohio and founded the New Music Ensemble and the Mini-Big Band at Webster. Mike served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music from 1985-1997.

Dr. Parkinson has extensive experience directing and working with jazz ensembles and jazz combos from beginning through advanced levels as well as symphonic bands and wind ensembles as a clinician and conductor. As an improviser, he is adept in various traditional and contemporary jazz styles, as well as non-traditional formats. He relates historical figures in jazz to students and audiences, explaining the significance of works being prepared for performance. As a trumpet player, he is highly skilled in jazz and classical music, and most recently directed master classes via zoom for trumpet students at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Artist fee: $500 for a full day, $750 including an evening concert, plus accommodations and mileage from Overland Park, Kansas

Clinics for middle school-university students: (1) jazz ensemble/jazz combo performance techniques, improvisation (all levels), history/styles. (2) symphonic bands/wind ensembles/chamber music. (3) trumpet/brass master classes (4) Developing Personal Musicianship clinic (5) Entrepreneurial Mindset workshop for students considering careers in music. Beyond The Blues clinic for band directors on jazz score analysis, jazz styles, and rehearsal techniques.

“All That Jazz,” an interactive presentation to senior adults on the roots and history of jazz, from the late 1800s to current trends, using sound and video recordings, and musicians for demonstrations.

Possible charges for photocopying of handouts for various clinics. I provide everything to the site director via PDF or mail.

“All That Jazz,” an interactive presentation to senior adults on the roots and history of jazz, from the late 1800s to current trends, using sound and video recordings, and musicians for demonstrations.s for demonstrations.