Michael Folker
Percussion
Locations
- Remote Lessons
- Judson University
- Arlington Heights, IL
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Professional Associations
Chicago Sinfonietta, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, Elgin Symphony, Judson Univ
Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Percussion Performance from DePaul University
- Bachelors Degree in Percussion Performance from Millikin University
Rate
Rate Negotiable
Background & Experience
Michael Folker has been performing in the Chicago area for the past 30 plus years. He is Principal Percussionist with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, and the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra. He is also Percussionist with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, and Lake Forest Symphony. Additionally, Michael performs with and has recorded with the Chicago Symphony, Grant Park Symphony, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Milwaukee Symphony with whom he toured Cuba in 1999.
Though classically trained, Michael has performed with pop groups such as the Moody Blues, Kansas and Styx as well as classical performers such as Luciano Pavaratti and Victor Borge, and Tonight Show legend Doc Severinson. He has performed with Grammy award singers Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Buble on NBC television special, “Concert for World Children’s Day”. He has also appeared as timpanist on the TV show "Empire".
Michael is a graduate of DePaul University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Performance while studying with Mr. Al Payson of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Performance from Millikin University, during which time he also studied with Mr. Tom Akins, Timpanist of the Indianapolis Symphony.
Michael's students have won positions with the ILMEA competition as well as winning positions with the Chicago Youth Symphony and the Julliard Summer Percussion Seminar. Many of his former students have gone on to professional music careers in performance and education.
In addition to performing, Mr. Folker is the Director of Percussion at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois as well as Adjunct Instructor of Percussion at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is also the creator of “The Magic of Music” and “Magic of Rhythm”, both educational programs designed to teach young audiences about the wonders of live music.
Michael is an artist for Sabian Cymbals and Mike Balter Mallets
Though classically trained, Michael has performed with pop groups such as the Moody Blues, Kansas and Styx as well as classical performers such as Luciano Pavaratti and Victor Borge, and Tonight Show legend Doc Severinson. He has performed with Grammy award singers Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Buble on NBC television special, “Concert for World Children’s Day”. He has also appeared as timpanist on the TV show "Empire".
Michael is a graduate of DePaul University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Performance while studying with Mr. Al Payson of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Performance from Millikin University, during which time he also studied with Mr. Tom Akins, Timpanist of the Indianapolis Symphony.
Michael's students have won positions with the ILMEA competition as well as winning positions with the Chicago Youth Symphony and the Julliard Summer Percussion Seminar. Many of his former students have gone on to professional music careers in performance and education.
In addition to performing, Mr. Folker is the Director of Percussion at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois as well as Adjunct Instructor of Percussion at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is also the creator of “The Magic of Music” and “Magic of Rhythm”, both educational programs designed to teach young audiences about the wonders of live music.
Michael is an artist for Sabian Cymbals and Mike Balter Mallets