Clarinetist Michael Dean has performed internationally and across the United States as a recitalist and master clinician to much acclaim. On a recent tour of music schools in England he was praised as "dynamic," "inspirational," "super," and "a brilliant performer." The tour was highlighted by a two-day residency at the world-renowned Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Michael Dean has appeared as a recitalist at Carnegie Hall, the International Clarinet Association's ClarinetFest conference, and the NACWPI National Symposium. Recently, he gave recitals and master classes at prestigious universities on tours of New York, California and Texas - including Eastman, Ithaca, Crane, Cal Arts, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Long Beach, SMU, and the University of North Texas. This past fall, he similarly toured Florida with stops at Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. (Click here to view a broadcast of the UCF concert.)

His recent CD, Desertscape: New Music for Clarinet, consists of works he has commissioned and premiered. In a recent review of the CD, the NACWPI Journal says, "Dean performs the works here admirably, and makes them all sound easy, the mark of a true professional. His use of dynamic contrasts is especially striking." In another recent review, MusicWeb International praises Michael Dean's clarinet tone and his "expressive phrasing". The CD is available for purchase and digital download at iTunes.com, Amazon.com, vcisinc.com, and CDBaby.com (see above).

Michael Dean will be featured performing on an upcoming new CD, Woodwind Music of Robert Fruehwald. The CD is currently in preparation and will be available in summer 2010. He also appears as chamber musician and soloist on another CD, Red Mesa Trio. The CD includes Phillip Bimstein's whimsical Half Moon at Checkerboard Mesa and is available at vcisinc.com.

In addition to commissioning, premiering and editing numerous new clarinet works, Dr. Dean has published a book, Clarinet On Campus. His publications also include articles in journals such as WINDPLAYER, Southwestern Musician, NACWPI Journal and The Bandmasters' Review. Additionally, he is the founder and director of the annual Southeast Missouri Single Reed Day festival.

He is Associate Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He is also currently President of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI). His professional web page is clarinetmike.com.

For complete biography click here.