About Me
Michael Hicks began his musical education at the age of four, studying cello at the Eastman School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, New York. He excelled at solo competitions and was principal cellist in all-state orchestras until high school, when he gave up playing the cello and picked up the electric bass. He studied with top players (Jeff Campbell, Geoff Smith) in the Rochester area until he went to St. Lawrence University and majored in English with a minor in music. While at St. Lawrence Michael played the jazz ensemble, pep band, private bands, and in the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam) jazz ensemble.He later attended Berklee College of Music from 1996-1999 on a full scholarship, graduating with a diploma in Music Performance, and subsequently attended the New England Conservatory also on a full scholarship to receive a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance (2001).After graduation Michael continued to be based in Boston, where he worked as a freelance bassist, teacher, and band leader. He played with many of Boston's top players at venues in the area, as well as with a 12-piece dance/party band that backed up several performers from Las Vegas, and performed at several locations in the east coast. Aside from teaching privately, Michael was the main bass instructor at Robinson's music in Westborough, MA, and taught K-8 music at a private school in South Boston. As a bandleader Michael was responsible for leading groups on a cruise ship in the Boston Harbor 6 nights a week, and led a trio at the Boston Marriott Longwharf for 3 years.In 2005 Michael moved to Shanghai, China, where he was the house bassist for Number 5, and CJW for two years. Additionally he has taught improvisation classes at the JZ school. His latest CD, Unison, was released in Shanghai on the JZ label. An upcoming CD featuring Shanghai-based musicians is in the works.Performing credits include: Benny Golson, Lewis Nash, Michael Abene, Chico and Arturo O’Farrill, Ron Horton, and George Russell. Michael has studied with Bruce Gertz, Paul DelNero, John Lockwood, Cecil McBee, Jeff Campbell, Deborah Dunham, Marshall Wood, Hal Crook, George Garzone, George Russell, John LaPorta, Lin Biviano, Oscar Stagnaro, Don Palma, and Jerry Bergonzi. He has also played bass in orchestras including the University of Rochester Community Orchestra (principal), and the New England Philharmonic.
