American Clarinetist Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” performs and teaches internationally and across the USA to consistent praise and acclaim such as, “world-class clarinetist and pedagogue,” “consummate performer,” “inspirational,” “outstanding teacher,” “super,” “brilliant performer,” and “one of the best clinicians I have ever seen.”

 

Dr. Michael Dean’s career is headlined by appearances at Carnegie Hall, ClarinetFest, NACWPI, Eastman, and Royal Northern College of Music, with recent recitals and master classes in Italy, Canada, Spain, California, Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He is planning a solo recital and master class tour of Israel for spring 2027. He is on the faculty of the summer Orfeo Music Festival in Vipiteno, Italy as Clarinet Artist Faculty in Residence.

 

Michael Dean performed with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra for 11 years and has also performed with the Northeast Orchestra, Texas Chamber Music Project, Southwest Symphony, Nevada Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, Abilene Opera, Southeast Chamber Players, Red Mesa Trio, Dallas Chamber Wind Ensemble, and Duo 35 with saxophonist Todd Oxford. As a clarinet performing and recording artist, he has commissioned, premiered, edited, and recorded numerous new and lesser-known clarinet works. He is featured on 6 commercial CDs, including the upcoming Postcards from Silver Lake CD. He is also prominent on New Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and YouTube.

 

He has given more than 1000 master classes, clinics and performances at universities, colleges, conservatories, festivals, conferences, and high schools. His ClarinetMike QuickTips, QuickClips, and Blog enjoy a wide viewership across the internet and social media, reaching audiences in over 150 countries across six continents. His articles  appear in professional journals such as Southwestern Musician, WINDPLAYER, The Bandmasters’ Review, and NACWPI Journal plus online publications such as Vandoren's WAVE. He is a past president and former officer on the National Board of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI).

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A committed teacher and noted pedagogue, Dr. Dean’s students enjoy successful careers as professional performers, educators, and administrators. They consistently win awards and distinctions at competitions and festivals including solo & ensemble, all-region, all-state, and various concerto and other competitions. After a successful 25 years of teaching the clarinet and music at the college and university level, he relocated to his native Texas due to family concerns. He is currently an active clarinet and woodwind performer, teacher, clinician, and consultant based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. He is also currently studying Digital Assets and Artificial Intelligence and their applications to music and music education.

 

Dr. Michael Dean studied clarinet performance at Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Colorado at Boulder, and University of Texas at Arlington. He is a BG France Performing Artist and his professional website is clarinetmike.com. Mike and his wife reside in Hurst, Texas, with their fluffy Golden Retriever, Nimbus, and are parents of two adult children. In his free time, Mike works with international graduate students and passionately follows his beloved Texas Rangers baseball team.