New York Jazz Artist Michael Dease has been appointed assistant professor of jazz trombone at the Michigan State University College of Music. In 2011, Dease was a guest artist in residence at MSU. In addition to teaching jazz trombone majors, Dease conducts one of the jazz orchestras, the Spartan Jazz Bones ensemble, and leads courses in arranging and improvisation.

An Augusta, Georgia, native, Dease moved to New York in 2001 to study at the Juilliard School earning his B.M and M.M of Music. Active as a sideman, studio artist, and leader, he released four critically acclaimed solo CDs, recorded on more than 100 albums as a sideman, and has collaborated the leading artists in jazz and popular music, including Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Wynton Marsalis, Lewis Nash, Alicia Keys.

“We are delighted to have Michael join the faculty,” says James Forger, dean of the MSU College of Music. “His exceptional musicianship, commitment to teaching, and knowledge of the music business will help our jazz program grow to new heights.”

Dease is eager to share his knowledge with students here at MSU outside of the classroom, and is looking to recruit students to his studio. "I'm excited to work with the talented students at MSU,” he says. “Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker has shaped a supportive environment for preparing young musicians for all types of opportunities."

Dease stays busy composing, arranging, and producing. He has taught at Northeastern University, Queens College CUNY, and at the New School for Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media. His record label, D Clef Records, has introduced new artists to the jazz community since its inception in 2009.

As a member of the International Trombone Association, Dease won the Rosolino, Johnson, and Winding jazz awards. Three of Dease’s students have been accepted into the Julliard School.

More on Dease can be found here.