University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Michael teaches double bass at the University of Arkansas and maintains a private teaching studio at his home in Rogers, where he initiated the Ozark MiniBass Project. As graduate assistant to Dr. Lucas Drew at University of Miami 1977-1980, Michael taught classroom string pedagogy and studio jazz electric bass as well as classical double bass. He was adjunct professor of electric bass and double bass at Florida International University, Miami, FL, from 1985-1987.

Education

Michael Montgomery received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in double-bass performance from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, studying classical double-bass with Lucas Drew, principal bass of the Florida Philharmonic, and jazz electric bass with Don Coffman. His doctoral thesis, based on studies for jazz bass, is entitled “Studies In Jazz Style For The Double Bassist: Twelve Original Etudes Derived From Twenty-Two Transcribed Solos” (1984).

Michael previously studied with Robert Rohe, principal bass of the New Orleans Symphony, from 1974-77. A graduate of Biloxi High School, he received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a registered Suzuki music teacher and a member of the International Society of Bassists and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Professional Playing Before Move to Arkansas

As a double bassist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra for 20 years Michael recorded four CDs and played over 3,000 concerts, many of these accompanying artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Flack, Isaac Stern, and Ray Charles. He also played briefly with the Ronnie Kole jazz trio in 1977, touring the Eastern United States and Canada, as well as the Mantovani Orchestra.

Michael performed with these Professional Groups since moving to Arkansas in 2005

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, section bassist
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, section bassist
Ft. Smith Symphony, assistant principal bassist
North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, principal bassist
Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, principal bassist
Opera in the Ozarks, principal bassist
KAUF/Fulbright Chamber Festival, bassist