Mike Dana attended California State University, Fresno, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1975, and a Master’s degree in 1991 (both in music/composition.) He also attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and studied privately with jazz guitar legend Joe Pass. Currently, he is completing his doctorate at Boston University.

Mike took over the position as Director of Jazz Studies at Fresno City College in 1990, and in 1999 also assumed the duties of Department Chair. Under his direction, the jazz program at FCC has developed a national reputation.  He directs the jazz ensemble, and also teaches jazz history, arranging, theory, and advanced improvisation. FCC’s “City Jazz” festival continues to feature major jazz artists, and is one of the largest noncompetitive jazz festivals in California.

He is quite active as a performer, leading several groups, including his own jazz trio, the Jazz Composer’s Orchestra (a professional big band), and Bahia, a group focusing on Brazilian music. His jazz guitar credits include performances with Cannonball Adderley, Gary Burton, Clark Terry, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, Ingrid Jensen, Ernie Watts, Arturo Sandoval, and many others. His compositions for jazz ensemble are widely performed across the United States. They are published by Kendor, Matrix Music, Heritage Press, and Walrus Publishing.

Mike continues to be in demand as a guest artist, clinician, and teacher for jazz festivals and summer workshops throughout the western U.S.

Contact:     (559) 289-3763

        mike.dana@fresnocitycollege.edu