Michael John McKee

Several traveling musicians have hired me for local gigs and recording sessions. I know what it takes to prepare for gigs, even if no rehearsal is possible. I have professional equipment, and I have my own vehicle.

Michael grew up listening to fishing boats and cattle and open space.

Interested by rhythm and sound, Michael joined the percussion section in the school band in Gering, Nebraska. While studying with Sandy Schaefer, Michael developed a foundation in orchestral percussion, jazz drum set, and marching percussion. Michael attended the University of Wyoming to study with John Lane. After graduating, Michael traveled throughout China and Central America, performing with local musicians along the way.

Michael now works with several bands and teaches music in Denver, Colorado, and also serves as a studio musician for local and regional musicians. Michael taught drum set and hand percussion at Swallow Hill Music Association from (phone number hidden)8. In 2013, Michael worked with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to create an interactive percussion exhibit for their Discovery Zone. Recently studying with Gary Lefrancois and Dave Weckl (both students of Freddie Gruber), as well as Mark Guiliana, Rich Redmond, and Dave King, Michael now focuses on expression, articulation, and voicing in his own playing.

Michael spends his spare time working in his garden or riding his bicycle.

I have a diverse collection drums and percussion instruments with an array of sounds and textures. I use Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads, and Vic Firth drumsticks. My main drum sets include: Drum Workshop Performance Series, 2016 (maple shells) and Ludwig Vistalite, 1978 (acrylic shells).