Michael Keepe lives in Tucson, Arizona with his lovely wife Jessica and beautiful daughter Temperance where he is in high demand as an educator and performer.

A deeply committed music educator, Mike enjoys making music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.  He is currently Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone and Music Industry at Pima Community College in Tucson, and has maintained a thriving private studio for over 20 years. His students’ achievements include participation in All State and Regional Concert and Jazz Bands, European tours, superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble Festivals, 1st place competition winners, and full music scholarships to major universities and music conservatories throughout the United States.  He is an active member in local and national teachers associations and is currently Immediate Past President of the Tucson Music Teachers Association. Mike’s involvement with public and private schools has led him to serve as clinician, adjudicator, and band director for the Tucson Unified School District and the Arizona Music Educators Association.

As a performer Mike’s goal is to promote and perpetuate the rich and diverse heritage of concert saxophone repertoire.  With appearances in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and throughout the United States, Mike’s performances have been described as “flawless and riveting . . . his interpretation thoughtful and commanding . . . a top-quality professional musician.”* As a soloist he has performed with high school and college bands, at regional and national saxophone conventions and festivals, and has recorded with the University of Arizona Wind Ensemble.  He performs locally with The Rodriguez & Keepe Duo: a classical piano and saxophone duo active since 1992, the Arizona Opera, the Tucson Symphony, the Tucson Chamber Orchestra, and is the soprano chair and founding member of the Tucson based and internationally acclaimed Presidio Saxophone Quartet.  As a freelance musician Mike has worked as a studio side man and has backed well known artists such as Michael Feinstien, Ellis Hall and The Temptations.

Mike also remains active in the creation and performance of new repertoire from composers around the world.  He has commissioned and premiered works by James Demars, Kip Haaheim, Drew Krause, Graham Lynch, Clement Ried, Yngve Slettholm, Lewis Spratlan, Andersen Viana, and Jay Vosk among others. 

In the music industry Mike worked for four years as a producer and A&R representative in the recording industry and in 2007 he created MLKEEPE Publications (ASCAP).  A music publishing company dedicated to promoting the finest of today’s concert saxophone repertoire, the company’s goal is to take a more personal interest in the composer’s works and help to nurture the connection between composer and performer.

Mr. Keepe received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance at the University of Arizona.  He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Saxophone Performance with a minor in Music Business at the U of A where he is the Graduate Teaching Assistant for the saxophone studio and the Camerata Career Development Program.  He is a Performing Artist and Clinician for the Selmer Company, and can be heard on the Albany, and AUR recording labels. 

Mr. Keepe has had the privilege of studying classical/contemporary saxophone with Dr. Timothy McAllister, Dr. Kelland Thomas, Dr. Michael Hester, Elizabeth Zinn Ervin, Dr. Mark Ely, Laura Hunter, clarinetist Christie Lundquist, Felix Vescugula, Ed Fraedrich, and George Etheridge.  He has studied jazz with, Michael Kuhn, and trombonist Tom Ervin, and conducting with Gregg I. Hanson.

* Quote provided by Dr. Brian K. Haaheim, Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Kansas