ABOUT MIKE
Mike Titlebaum, saxophonist and jazz director at Ithaca College
Mike Titlebaum has been making music as a saxophonist, composer and arranger for most of his 55 or so trips around the sun. He has performed at top NYC musical venues such as the Blue Note, Smalls, Augies, Fez/Time Café and the legendary CBGB's as well as the pit orchestra of the Broadway musical "Cats" at the Winter Garden Theater. He has played with dozens of internationally recognized artists and groups such as John Hollenbeck, Gary Versace, Jason Robert Brown, the Mingus Big Band, the Sneider Brothers, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic and dozens more.
During daylight hours, Mike serves as Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theater and Dance in “gorges” central New York.
Mike’s book “Jazz Improvisation Using Simple Melodic Embellishment”
In his teaching, Mike demonstrates the power of improvising using simple melodic embellishment, based on a concept by master improviser Lee Konitz. In 2012 he posted a YouTube video on the topic, and his new book, “Jazz Improvisation Using Simple Melodic Embellishment” is now available! The book can be used as self-guided study as well as a textbook for a course on improvisation.
Read more about it on the book page. All the musical examples, audio accompaniments and PDFs are available for download on the resources page.
THE PREMIERE OF MIKE’S NEW PIECE “LIFELONG ADVENTURE”
Mike’s new piece “Lifelong Adventure” was premiered by the Eastman Wind Orchestra on November 3rd, 2021 in Kodak Hall with Mike as soloist. The piece was written in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Eastman School of Music.
Mike with the Eastman Wind Orchestra
Mike making music.
MUSIC BECAUSE MUSIC
Mike Titlebaum and his friends make music.
Why make MUSIC? Well, BECAUSE... MUSIC!
Music Because Music is rich with uplifting grooves, inspiring tales, colorful characters, and beautiful melodies, all performed by the most amazing musicians in the whole dang country.
There's only one way to discover The Way Back, and learn about the sordid tales of Glinkleglorp, Alisha and the World War II Pizza Man -- come check 'em out.
You'll dig it.
See the press page for Mike's complete bio.