Mike Block
| Mike Block | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1982 |
| Origin | Boston, MA, USA |
| Genres | Classical, folk, jazz, fiddling, bluegrass, oldtime, rock, pop, blues, Scottish, Appalachian, Asian, Arabic |
| Occupation(s) | Cellist, Singer, Arranger, Composer, Record Producer, |
| Instruments | Cello, Voice, |
| Years active | fl. ca. 2006–present |
| Associated acts | Yo-Yo Ma, Silk Road Ensemble, Mark O'Connor, Darol Anger |
| Website | http://www.MikeBlockMusic.com |
Michael Glen Block (born May 25, 1982) is an American cellist, singer, composer, arranger, and solo artist hailed as "the ideal musician of the twenty-first century" by cultural icon Yo-Yo Ma. Mike Block has worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Lenny Kravitz, Shakira, The National, Joe Zawinul, Alison Krauss, Rachel Barton Pine, Mark O'Connor, and other notable musicians. Block currently plays with the Silk Road Ensemble. In January, 2014, Block married fiddler and composer Hanneke Cassel.
In addition to his solo performances and multiple duo collaborations, Block is most famous for playing second cello alongside Yo-Yo Ma. He also performed in Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz trio for three years. His performances have been described as "vital, rich-hued solo playing" by the New York Times, and "a true artist ... a sight to behold" by the Salt Lake City Deseret News.
In 2009 Block founded The Mike Block String Camp, which takes place in Vero Beach, Florida. Teachers provide instruction in multiple traditions, develop improvisational skills, and coach student bands in preparation for public performances.
In 2012 Block started the Brooklyn Pop String Camp in NYC, which aims to nurture young children's passion for playing music they like to listen to.
In 2012, Block was appointed Associate Professor of Music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, USA.
A frequent guest lecturer, Mr. Block has also presented at Stanford University, Princeton University, Harvard University, New York University, Berklee College of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Belmont University, Southern Methodist University, Sam Houston State University, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and University of Arkansas. In 2006, he received Suzuki method certification in music education from the New York City-based School for Strings, under Pamela Devenport.
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