Michael Higgins

Jazz Guitar

Office: UMC-C304
e-mail: higpigmusic@sbcglobal.net

The influence of rock and funk is apparent in Michael Higgins’ compositions. A versatile guitarist, Higgins can play rock, jazz, blues, classical, and country and do so all equally well. He has performed with Maynard Ferguson, Eddie Harris, Tom Kubis, Bill Watrous, David Clayton Thomas, Scott Henderson, Barbara Morrison, Jeffrey Osborne, and the original 5th Dimension.

In addition to recording with many artists, Higgins has recorded his original music on several occasions. The first was with Maynard Ferguson’s High Voltage album, and also as a member of the SHAPES band which is currently performing around southern California. His next CD, Ventana, will be following shortly.

Higgins received a B.A. in Music, Long Beach State University and a Masters Degree in Studio Jazz Guitar, University of Southern California, with additional studies with Don Schamber and John Crosse. He studied composition under Ladd Macintosh, Lyle Spud Murphy, John Prince, Tom Kubis, Michael Mitacek, and Bill Fowler. Other private study with Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Joe Diorio, Howard Roberts, Ted Greene, Dale Ramey, George Johnston, and Tony Rizzi, and classical guitar studies with Harvey Malloy, Kurt Schuster, Scott Tennant, and Brian Head.