Michael Waldrop is a percussionist skilled in both the jazz and classical idioms. He excels in all aspects of percussion performance while specializing in drumset and mallet instruments.
He is currently the Professor of Percussion at Eastern Washington University. He teaches jazz drumset, classical percussion, percussion ensembles and percussion methods at EWU. He has a Bachelors degree in percussion performance from the University of North Texas, a Masters in Jazz Studies from the University of Memphis and a Doctorate in Performance from the University of North Texas.
Dr. Waldrop's career has been extensive and varied, ranging from rock and jazz styles to performances as a classical percussionist in symphonic, chamber music and solo recital settings. He was a member of the Grammy nominated One O'Clock Lab Band and recorded two CD's with the group and has been on several tours, including a European tour of the Broadway production "42nd Street," and a tour of Turkey with Prix di Rome prize-winning composer, Kamran Ince, and his ensemble. In addition, he has performed with Maureen McGovern, Della Reese, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Eliane Elias and Slide Hampton. Dr. Waldrop was also a member of Blue Note Recording artist, Bob Belden's quartet. He has played and recorded with many of the greatest percussionists in the world including Gordon Stout, Neboisa Zivkovic and Airto. He has played on many recording projects ranging from the Warner Bros. movie, "Christmas Vacation," national commercial jingles and two CD's of original jazz.
Dr. Waldrop was the Director of Jazz Studies and Percussion at Mesa State College in Colorado from 1999-2004. While in Colorado, he was Principal Percussionist with the Grand Junction Symphony as well as Director of the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra. For the past two years he was Professor of Percussion at the University of Toledo. While there he performed in the Faculty Jazz group with legendary jazz vocalist, Jon Hendricks. He is currently a member of Jack Cooper's Jazz Orchestra of the Delta based in Memphis and was formerly a member of the Spokane-based Bob Curnow Big Band.
