Michael Dyer – Bass/Guitar

Michael Dyer found his life’s passion when he picked up his first string bass at the age of 6 years old. Coming from a music centered family, Michael immediately found the support he needed for his development. His first experiences were performing with the school Orchestra program. From then on he was hooked. He began learning jazz, and performing with big bands in middle school. He also started learning electric bass and guitar around this time. Michael continued performing with school ensembles throughout high school and college. At this time he also started performing in rock groups in local venues. He performed for two seasons with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra as a member of the apprentice program. While attending Northern Illinois University, Michael performed as second chair in the Philharmonic. He also performed with the Jazz Lab Band, and numerous Jazz Combos. Upon leaving Northern, Michael joined the working world, taking a position with Guitar Center. He continued doing freelance work with various small jazz ensembles, and session work. Michael recently performed with The Downward Dogs playing Pop Rock covers.

Michael Dyer began studying string bass at the age of 9, under the direction of Mark Bettcher. In high school he studied jazz bass with Nick Schneider, classical bass with John Floeter, and electric bass guitar with Dan McIntyre. He also was a member of the Elgin Community College Youth Jazz Ensemble throughout his time in High School and Community College. While attending Elgin Community College as a music education major he participated in the apprentice program with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. In this program he studied with the sitting principal bassist each year, which included, John Floeter, Leonid Finklestein, and Tim Schaffer. From Elgin Community College, Michael continued his studies at Northern Illinois University. While attending Northern, Michael studied classical bass with Greg Sarchet and Jazz bass with Marlene Rosenburg. As a music education major, Michael received beginners instruction in piano, percussion, woodwind, brass, and all stringed instruments. He has also participated in many master classes over the years with the likes of Rufus Reid, Larry Gray, and Kelly Sill.

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