Michael Strauss

Instructor in Music
Michael Strauss

Education

B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Biography

Though a scientist by training, Dr. Strauss played and studied trombone throughout college and graduate school in the Boston area, where musicians from all backgrounds and many schools mingle and perform together. While still in college, he studied with the great jazz trombonist and Philips Exeter alum Phil Wilson, as well as with Boston Symphony Orchestra trombonist John Coffey.

Dr. Strauss officially became a professional musician when he moved to Canada after graduate school. He performed with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the National Ball Room Orchestra, played at the Ottawa and Montreal jazz festivals, and backed up a French-Canadian Elvis impersonator.

Since returning to the Boston area, Dr. Strauss splits his time between technical activities and music. He continues to freelance with a wide variety of groups, including symphonic, chamber, musical theater, jazz and rock ensembles. Over the years, these have included: the Boston Civic Symphony, the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Band, the Harry James Band, the Gene Krupa Orchestra, the Hal McIntyre Orchestra and many others.