Music, Theatre, Dance Faculty & Staff
Last Name
Drost
First Name
Michael
Email
drostm@gvsu.edu
Title
Guitar/Jazz Studies, Adjunct Instructor
Website
Office Address
2755 The Haas Center for Performing Arts
Office Phone
616-331-3484
About
Michael Drost is a professor of jazz at Grand Valley
State University where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz guitar,
jazz bass and coaches the small jazz ensembles. Michael divides his
time performing and teaching in jazz throughout West Michigan.
Michael's versatility as a multi-instrumentalist has allowed him to
share the stage with an eclectic mix of musicians including Caissie
Levy (Wicked, Ghost), Jonathan Brandmeier, Frank Stallone, John Slade,
Paul Mabin, Michael Harvey, Mel Torme, Kenny Werner, Darmon Meader,
and the touring cast of “Anything Goes”. Throughout his career
Michael has performed with many notable Midwest musical groups and
artists such as the Take Three Jazz Trio, Standing Room Only
Orchestra, Generations, Groove Merchant, Groove Solution, Daniel James
Band, NYCO, Three Cent Stomp and the Holland Symphony Orchestra.
As a multi-instrumentalist/composer/music producer Michael has
been a regular in many studios and jingle houses. His playing and
compositions can be heard on television and radio ads, including spots
for Amtrak, Discover Card, Comcast Sports, CNN Sports Retro, America's
Test Kitchen, The Musky Hunter, Tim Hawkin's Comedy, The Huntin' Junky
and many more. Much of Michael's most recent music production work has
been composed and produced for a royalty free music library named
Digital Juice. His music continues to receive national and
international network placement.
Michael graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from Western Michigan
University. During his formative years Drost studied with Craig
Linenberger, Steve Zegree, Trent Kynaston, Fareed Haque, Tom Knific
and Bob Palmieri. While at WMU, Michael received two Down Beat
magazine awards: "Best Jazz Instrumentalist" and "Best
Blues/Pop/Rock Group".