Students from the Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio have gone on to successful careers as orchestral musicians, military band members, university professors, public-school educators, arts administrators, composers, entrepreneurs, and private teachers throughout the United States and abroad.
Students of Micah Howard at Carnegie Mellon
The following students studied with Micah Howard during his tenure at Carnegie Mellon University.
Professional Orchestra Positions
- Gerald Torres — Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
- Ted Merritt — Utah Symphony Orchestra
- Paul Matz — Buffalo Philharmonic
- Jason McNeel — Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
- Cao Chen — Macau Symphony Orchestra
- Cody Roseboom — Principal Bass, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
- Ryan Bassett — Assistant Principal Bass, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
Military Service Bands
- Riley Zimmermann — United States Army Band
- Patric Spallinger — United States Army Band
Higher Education
- Joseph Gaskins — Professor of Double Bass, East Tennessee State University
Diverse Career Paths in Music
While many Carnegie Mellon bass alumni have earned positions in major orchestras, student success takes many forms.
Graduates of the CMU Double Bass Studio have gone on to careers as orchestral musicians, military band members, university professors, public-school educators, arts administrators, composers, entrepreneurs, private teachers, and instrument makers. Many maintain active freelance careers, perform regularly with regional orchestras, and serve as substitute musicians with leading ensembles including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and others.
Carnegie Mellon University encourages students to develop both artistic excellence and professional versatility. Through the School of Music and the university’s broader entrepreneurial culture, students are prepared to build meaningful and sustainable careers that reflect their individual goals, interests, and talents.
Historical Alumni Achievements
The Carnegie Mellon Double Bass Studio has a long tradition of producing successful performers, educators, composers, and arts leaders.
Professional Orchestra Careers
- Cory Palmer — Principal Bass, Rochester Philharmonic
- Joel Reist — Principal Bass, Nashville Symphony Orchestra
- Brandon McLean — Associate Principal Bass, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Thomas Lederer — Assistant Principal Bass, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Doug Bayse — Associate Principal Bass, Pacific Symphony
- Nicholas Jones — Buffalo Philharmonic
- Ben Wheeler — Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
- Matt McGrath — Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Higher Education and Arts Leadership
- Joe Soucy — Associate Dean of Orchestral Studies, Juilliard
- Nathan Lutz — Executive Director, Carmel Bach Festival
Composition and Creative Careers
- Michael Kooman — Composer and songwriter for Broadway and Disney
Distinguished Alumni in Pedagogy and Musical Leadership
Gaelen McCormick
Former member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Director of the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Program, President of the International Society of Bassists, and author of the Mastering the Bow series. Carnegie Mellon alumna and student of Jeff Turner.
George Vance
Internationally recognized double bass pedagogue, author of the Progressive Repertoire series, and one of the most influential bass educators of the twentieth century.
Additional Student Successes from Micah Howard’s Teaching Career
In addition to his work at Carnegie Mellon University, Micah Howard has taught at Youngstown State University, Duquesne University, and through private instruction. Former students from those settings have also gone on to successful professional careers.
- Christian Dillingham — Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist
- Taylor Brown — Principal Bass, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra
- Alex Tarbert — Deutsche Oper Berlin
- Eric Polenic — Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
This list is representative rather than exhaustive.
Testimonials
Interested in hearing directly from former students and colleagues?
Micah B Howard 