Dr. Michael Keepe is Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone and Music Industry at Pima College in Tucson, Arizona. As a performer, Mike’s goal is to promote and perpetuate the rich and diverse heritage of concert saxophone repertoire. He has performed in Canada, Mexico, Australia, throughout the United States, and his performances have been heard on KUAT-FM and KXCI-FM, Tucson TV 12, and KJHK-FM (Kansas). 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.” (Composer Kip Haaheim, University of Kansas) 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, the Arizona Opera, the Tucson Symphony, and is the soprano chair and founding member of the Tucson based and internationally acclaimed Presidio Saxophone Quartet.  As a freelance musician Mike has performed with artists such as Michael Feinstien, Bernadette Peters, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, and the Temptations.

A deeply committed music educator, Mike enjoys making music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. His 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. In addition to teaching at Pima College, he has taught at the University of Arizona 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 concerto 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 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 Keepe Publishing House. 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 industry executives around the country. Having worked as a producer and A&R representative in the recording industry, his experience provides him with a unique perspective into the industry. Mike teaches courses in Music Industry at Pima College he has served as guest lecturer in the university environment and at music festivals. Additionally, he has published critical reviews of recordings, historical collections and texts for the peer reviewed journals of the North American Saxophone Alliance (Saxophone Symposium) and the Music & Entertainment Industry Educator’s Association.

Dr. Keepe  received a Doctorate in Saxophone Performance with a Minor in Music Business at the University of Arizona where he served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Saxophone Studio and Camerata Career Development programs. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Student Award, the School of Music's highest award, and the Northern Piper Trust Award for his dissertation research entitled The Hollywood Saxophone Quartet: Its History and Contributions to Saxophone Quartet Performance in the United States.  Mike is a Performing Artist and Clinician for the Selmer Company, and can be heard on the Albany, AUR, Coseismic, and Nostalgie recording labels. He resides in Tucson, Arizona with his lovely wife and two beautiful daughters.