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

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 25 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 has served as 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 heard on KUAT-FM and KXCI-FM and Tucson TV 12. His playing is described as “sonically potent . . . displaying great control” (Tucson Citizen) and “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 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, Beatlemania and The Temptations.

Mike also remains active in the creation and performance of new repertoire from composers around the world.  His dedications, commissions and premiers include works by James Demars, Bryan Kip Haaheim, Drew Krause, Graham Lynch, Clement Ried, Yngve Slettholm, Lewis Spratlan, Andersen Viana, and Jay Vosk. This commitment to new music has led him to create MLKEEPE and Castle Keepe Publications. Publishing and 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 nurture the connection between composer and performer.

Mike’s involvement in the music industry as a teacher, performer and entrepreneur has helped to foster relationships with entertainment executives around the country. Having also worked as a producer and A&R representative in the recording industry, these experiences have provided him with a unique perspective into the industry. Often asked to share these insights as a guest lecturer, he also provides critical reviews of CDs, historical collections and texts which have been published in the peer reviewed journals of the North American Saxophone Alliance (Saxophone Symposium) and the Music & Entertainment Industry Educator’s Association.

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