Dr. Michael Stewart
Trumpeter, Composer, & Arranger

Last Updated: February 1, 2008

Dr. Michael Stewart holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts degree in Trumpet Performance from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Akron (OH). Although he primarily writes for jazz bands and brass ensembles, his compositions also cover a far reaching range of styles and genres.

In July of 2007, Stewart formed the Deep Blue Big Band, an 8-horn, rhythm section, and vocalist jazz ensemble that features his arrangements and compositions. This group performs updated arrangements of jazz standards, as well as popular songs from the late '60's through 90's. They are available for private and public events in the Chicagoland area.

Stewmuse Publications was founded by Dr. Stewart at the beginning of 2002. This small company features materials aimed at helping develop the musical and physical skills of young or developing trumpeters. The main works currently include "Courting the Upper Register," and "Courting the Upper Register II: JAZZ." These books focus on melodic approaches to high note playing in classical and jazz styles. He also also authored seven other method books working in both classical and jazz fields. His compositions and arrangements include brass quartet and quintets, brass choirs, jazz ensembles, solo works for brass and piano, and student-oriented versions of the J.F. Haydn and J.N. Hummel trumpet concertos.

In January of 2006, he launched the TrumpetFish Publications web site, which has free downloads in PDF and MP3 formats of solo music, duets and trios, and instructional pages. There are also on-line lessons that you can listen to and follow along with the downloadable materials.

In 2001, he directed Chicago Brass Choir in their featured performance at the International Trumpet Guild Conference. Three times, Dr. Stewart has had premieres at this annual conference. The summer of 1997 saw the recording and release of his first compact disc, entitled Chorales & Imitations, a collection of chamber brass music. Featured as performers are members of the Chicago Brass Choir. Dr. Stewart's arrangements are also featured on the 1999 CD by the Chicago Brass Choir, "Pictures in Brass."