Michael Kroth

ABOUT

Michael Kroth is professor of bassoon and associate dean for undergraduate studies and operations at the Michigan State University College of Music. A member of the MSU faculty since 2002, he has distinguished himself as a performer, teacher, and academic leader whose work has shaped both the artistic and educational mission of the College.

As associate dean, Kroth provides strategic oversight for undergraduate programs, admissions, student success initiatives, and academic operations for the College of Music. His leadership has been central to major institutional projects, and to fostering an environment that supports student achievement, curricular innovation, and an enhanced academic experience.

A versatile and distinguished bassoonist, Kroth maintains an active performing career. He serves as principal bassoon of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and principal bassoon with the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra, and he performs regularly with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, and The Cleveland Orchestra. His chamber music work includes longstanding participation as a faculty artist in the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, as well as appearances in the United States and abroad, including performances in Europe, Colombia, China, Uzbekistan, and throughout the Midwest.

Kroth has appeared as a featured soloist with ensembles such as the United States Air Force Academy Band, the South Dakota Symphony, the Lansing Symphony, the Colorado College Festival Orchestra, the Uzbekistan National Symphony Orchestra, and the MSU Chamber Winds, performing works ranging from core repertoire to contemporary pieces including Dana Wilson’s Avatar.

His recorded work includes featured performances on Four Shades of French (Albany Records), Jazz Tinged: Joe Lulloff Plays Charles Ruggiero (Albany Records), the South Dakota Symphony’s Awake & Asleep – The Gift of Mozart (Earsay Studios), the Colorado College Summer Music Festival compilation Best of Colorado College Summer Music Festival (Ultrasound Records), the Dakota Wind Quintet recording (HCS Records), and Journey to the Badlands with the South Dakota Symphony (WTA Records). In addition to his recorded work, Kroth’s performances have been featured in radio broadcasts, extending his reach to national and international audiences.

A dedicated teacher and mentor, Kroth has built a nationally recognized bassoon studio at MSU. His students have gone on to successful careers in university teaching positions, professional orchestras, military bands, and a wide range of music professions. He is frequently invited to present master classes, clinics, and lectures at universities and conferences across the country, including several presentations for the International Double Reed Society and the Midwest Clinic.

Kroth’s contributions as an educator and administrator have been recognized through the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award (2022), the Dortha J. and John D. Withrow Excellence in Teaching Award (2018), and the Michigan State University Outstanding Supervisor Award (2021), reflecting a career marked by artistic excellence, pedagogical commitment, and dedicated service to the College of Music.

He holds a Master of Music in bassoon performance from Temple University, where he studied with renowned Philadelphia Orchestra principal bassoonist Bernard Garfield, and a Bachelor of Music in bassoon performance from Ithaca College studying with Edward Gobrecht.

MSU Bassoon Studio