About Michael
BIO
MICHAEL BENEDICT
518-755-4233
Michael Benedict – Percussionist, Vibraphonist, Educator
Education
Michael Benedict earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Educationfrom the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. His principal teachers inclu
MICHAEL BENEDICT
518-755-4233
Michael Benedict – Percussionist, Vibraphonist, Educator
Education
Michael Benedict earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Educationfrom the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. His principal teachers include Jim Petercsak, Ray Mosca, and Keith Copland.
Performance & Recording Career
Michael has performed and/or recorded with many of the leading names in jazz, including Gary Smulyan, Harry Allen, Dick Oatts, Ralph Lalama, Bruce Barth, Joe Locke, Renée Fleming, and Gene Bertoncini.
He has been a member of both the Spike Jones Orchestra and the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, touring extensively throughout the United Statesand Europe, and performing at concert halls, colleges, clubs, and festivals.
In 2012, he toured Tunisia, Africa, as part of a U.S. State Department cultural exchange, where he taught and performed with the Planet Arts Trio.
Leadership & Recordings
As both vibraphonist and drummer, Michael currently leads two acclaimed ensembles: JAZZ VIBES and BOPITUDE. He has released six recordings to date.
- Five and One was selected by DownBeat Magazine as one of the Best Albums of 2013.
- Circulation: The Music of Gary McFarland received a DownBeat Editor’s Pick and was listed by NPR as one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2015.
Michael has been twice nominated for Best Jazz Artist of the Yearby the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards (The Eddies) and was named Best Jazz Musician of the Year (2023) by WCDB Radio 90.9 FM, SUNY Albany.
Teaching & Service
A highly regarded educator, Michael taught high school band, jazz band, and music theory in Greenville, NY, for 25 years. He has served as a clinician and guest conductor for numerous high school honor jazz ensembles.
Michael’s leadership extends to the professional community as well — he has served as:
- President, Albany Musicians’ Association
- President, Greene County Music Educators Association
- Vice President, Schenectady-Amsterdam Musical Union
He is also an Artist Endorser for Canopus Drums and Soultone Cymbals.