“…large sound and free flowing style…”

Downbeat Magazine 2022

Baltimore-native Derrick Michaels is a tenor saxophonist and improviser with a deep sound and a bold, imaginative presence in the creative music community.

With roots in both the lyrical and exploratory branches of the creative saxophone tradition, his wide expressive palette brings a soulful, melodic sincerity to a wide range of musical environments. 

He has been described by Jazz Weekly as a “thick-toned tenorist”, and by Downbeat magazine as wielding a “large sound and free flowing style”. The Baltimore Jazz Alliance says: “Derrick Michaels' saxophone playing comes right out of his soul; the instrument sounds like a human voice.”

Over the years, many important musical relationships have developed with the likes of Ellery Eskelin, Susan Alcorn, Michael Formanek, Dave Ballou, John Dierker, Tony Martucci, Eric Kennedy, Zach Swanson, Mike Kuhl, Alex Weber, Savino Palumbo, Daniel A. Ryan, Jon Seligman, Theljon Allen, Jeff Reed, Phil Cunneff, Ben Frock, Chris Pumphrey, John Lee, and a growing list of respected names within the broader community.

APPEARANCES

8/8/25: DM4tet with Ballou, Lee, Kuhl & Aaron Irwin Trio (Double Bill!!) @ An Die Musik 7pm

8/15/25: Mike Pope Quartet @ An Die Musik 8pm

8/22/25: Charlie Ballantine Trio @ Backwater Books Ellicott City, MD 8-10pm

8/24/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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9/12/25: FIREBATH (Tony Malaby, John Dierker, Dave Ballou, DM, Brandon Lopez, Billy Mintz Mike Kuhl) An Die Musik

9/15/25: John Lee’s Out of Body Quartet @ Le Comptoir Du Vin in Baltimore

9/20/25: Talking Points @ Ottobar, (with Bodega, Supercity, Lunar Year)

9/28/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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10/19/25: Bluebird Jam House Band (Charlie Ballantine, Jeff Reed, Mike Kuhl, Myself) 8-11pm

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11/30/25: John Lee’s Out of Body Quartet @ Rust Library Leesburg, VA 2pm

Teaching

Deep, conservatory-level work in a relaxed, respectful setting

I offer private and group lessons for dedicated musicians. Sound, technique, ear training, analysis, and compositional/ improvisational techniques are explored — facilitating the expression of your own beautiful and true voice as it connects within the music and the community.

Pursue the beauty and wonder of music as a pillar of a vibrant and meaningful life!

Recent students are at Berklee College of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, Towson University, Baltimore School for the Arts, along with professional performers and teachers on the Baltimore jazz scene and beyond.

visit the lessons page

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Testimonials:

“I credit Derrick for everything I know about improvising from a place of beauty and depth, as well as making a vibrating piece of grass not sound like a kazoo” — Tyler White

“Derrick is my favorite saxophone teacher I have ever had. I wish I had the time to study with him more regularly. He completely changed how I understood the instrument in just a few lessons. Can’t recommend him enough.” — Jacob Deaven

“I have to say I really love studying with you — this is helping me see the horn the way that I did as a kid when I first started playing, as something that’s a deep connnection…it’s made a huge difference.” — Matt Hooper

LIVE

“Derrick Michaels is an outstanding musician, with a beautiful concept of sharing this music with so many people to bring us together, and to make us appreciate what we all have within.”

-Robert Shahid, host “Masterclass” WEAA

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