Michael Russell is a violinist, a violist, and a conductor. He holds degrees in Violin Performance: BM,MM, DMA(ABD), and Music Theory, BA. His principal violin mentors were Dr. Robert Billups, Dr. Claire Fox Hillard, Dr. John Farrell, Professor, Mark Rush and Professor Andor Toth. Mr. Russell Has presented solo recital, concerto, chamber music, and symphony orchestra programs in Hawaii, the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southwest United States, Northern Mexico, and Peru South America.

Mr. Russell was a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra from 1986 to 1996. In 1988, he became a member of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, and the Southwest String Quartet of Tucson. He also served us the Symphony’s Assistant Concertmaster from 1989 to 1996, and Acting Associate Concertmaster (1990-91,1995-96). 

From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Russell was an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. He taught applied Violin and Viola, conducted the University Symphony Orchestra, and was the String and Piano Chamber Music Program Coordinator. He also served as the violinist of the Kennard Trio, the University’s Piano Trio in Residence.