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Thomas Knific

Adult Chamber Music Camp - Instructor of Double Bass
Cleveland Institute of Music
Bachelor of Music, Double Bass
Accademia Musicale Chigiana
Artist Diploma, Double Bass

About Thomas

Tom Knific has performed with many of the great jazz and classical artists of our time on tour and on record. They include Michel Legrand, Gene Bertoncini, Billy Hart, Randy Brecker, Dave Brubeck, Fred Hersch, Edward Simon, and others. He and Eric Marienthal co-led the Dream Band with Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner and Harvey Mason in the first live interactive concert multi-cast over the Internet. As a classical artist, he has recorded with Pepe Romero, Andre Watts, Philippe Entremont, and the Merling Trio. He as appeared as a soloist with orchestras throughout the U.S. and has performed as principal bassist with orchestras and chamber orchestras in the U.S. and Europe. He has appeared at chamber music festivals throughout North America and Europe and is a founding member, bassist and composer for the contemporary music group, OPUS 21. Knific is professor emeritus of double bass and director of jazz studies at Western Michigan University, and is a visiting professor at The China Conservatory, Beijing. He has also taught at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan State University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and has presented over 200 hundred master classes worldwide. He received the 2016 Musical America Top Professional and Innovators award and received the 2004 Down Beat magazine Achievement in Jazz Education award. Knific has written dozens of works in a variety of idioms and is published by Editions Delatour, Paris, and ISB Publications, Dallas. He is heard on over 30 CDs including four solo projects. Knific is past president of The International Society of Bassists.

I encourage students to keep the joy and magic of music making at the forefront, while investigating the possibilities, infinite details, and sonic connections that may be discovered.

  • 2016 Musical America Top Professional and Innovator Award
  • Past President, International Society of Bassists
  • Professor of Double Bass and Director of Jazz Studies, Western Michigan University, 1987-2019
  • Visiting Professor, China Conservatory, Beijing, since 2008
  • Interlochen Arts Academy Instructor, 1983-1988
  • Guest Professor, Michigan State University and Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Presented over 200 master classes world wide
  • Appears on 30 plus commercial recordings on a dozen labels
  • Concerts, tours and recordings on five continents with artists including Dave Brubeck, Michel Legrand, Fred Hersch, Billy Hart, Randy Brecker, Gene Bertoncini, Kenny Werner, Jamey Haddad, Andre Watts, Philippe Entremont, Merling Trio and Western Jazz Quartet
  • Compositions published by ISB Editions, and Editions Delatour
  • 2016 Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Community Arts Award
  • 2004 Down Beat Jazz Education Achievement Award

B.M., Double Bass Performance - Cleveland Institute of Music

Artist Diploma, Double Bass Performance- Accademia Musicale Chigiana