Michael Frederick (jazz guitar) began playing guitar at the age of twelve, taking private lessons for approximately six months and then exploring the guitar on his own through high school. By the time he graduated, Mike had won several awards at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and was the guitarist in the 2000 Washington All-State Jazz Ensemble. Mike earned his B.A. in guitar performance from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, studying jazz improvisation with trumpeter Brian Ploeger, saxophonists Geoff Bradfield and Dave Hagelganz, and pianist Brent Edstrom. Performing with the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble and as an accompanist for the chamber choir afforded opportunities for travel including tours of Italy, Hawaii, and several regional tours of the West. During this time, he also studied classical guitar with Dr. Paul Grove, earning the Young Artist award in the guitar division at Musicfest Northwest 2004. After college, Mike worked in showbands and jazz trios on several Carnival cruise ships. During the ‘05-’06 and ‘06-’07 school years Mike taught guitar and coached jazz small groups at Whitworth University and Gonzaga University, taught guitar classes in high schools, played for theater productions, and freelanced around the Northwest with his trio, Localized Tenderness, and several other jazz and rock projects. In the fall of 2007 Mike started the master’s degree program in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He is currently maintains an active teaching and performing schedule.