Michael VanPelt, DMA

Michael VanPelt, an experienced solo and chamber musician, has been teaching saxophone and clarinet for more than twenty years. He earned a Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude, from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with James Bunte and Rick VanMatre. He continued his studies with legendary saxophonist Dr. John Sampen during his master's degree at Bowling Green State University, where he was also awarded a graduate teaching assistantship in music education. He completed his studies at the University of Cincinnati, serving as the saxophone studio teaching assistant.

Dr. VanPelt served on the faculty as an adjunct instructor (2008-2011) and as a full-time lecturer (2011-2014) at Northern Kentucky University, where he taught saxophone, chamber music, aural skills, music appreciation, and music literature. He also maintained a successful private studio in the Cincinnati area. His students were selected to numerous regional and all-state bands.

He relocated to Princeton in 2014, where he joined the faculty of Westminster Conservatory. He taught saxophone, clarinet, and coached in the Honors Music Program. His conservatory students have achieved distinctions in Westminster Conservatory, NJMTA, and NJMEA all-state events.

In his free time, he enjoys video games, biking, playing with his pet parrots, and chasing after his rambunctious kindergartner.