Jazz with Michael Preen

Michael Preen grew up in a musical environment in New Orleans, Louisiana. Beginning on guitar at the age of thirteen, he soon switched to the electric bass at fifteen. After graduating high school, he decided to take music more seriously and enrolled in a music program at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. There, he learned to read music, play jazz, and began studying upright bass with New Orleans bassist Walter Payton. During this time, Michael gained experience playing many different styles of music in-and-around the New Orleans area.



In 1994, he played with The Crescent City Big Band under the direction of his father, drummer Brian Preen. At the same time, he formed a rock trio with his brothers James and Andrew called "The Preemos." After graduating from Delgado Community College with an Artists Associates Degree in Music, Michael landed his first out of town job with a trio that performed for over two months at the Hyatt Cancun Caribe Resort in Cancun, Mexico. Upon returning home, Michael was inspired by the idea of becoming a professional musician. He auditioned for Pro Ship Entertainment, the leading agency for hiring musicians in the cruise line industry. Thereafter, Michael found himself traveling throughout Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe on some of the largest cruise lines, including Celebrity, Holland America, Renaissance, Norwegian and Princess.



In 2002, he moved to New York City to further his music career. After working in several regional musical theatres playing classics such as Gypsy and The Music Man, Michael decided to go back to school to finish his undergraduate studies in music at New Jersey City University. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance and is studying with bassist, Andy Eulau. Michael's philosophy on music is to be as diverse as possible and to be able to play in many different styles of music. In order to survive in the music business today, one must adapt to many musical situations. After receiving his degree, Michael plans to continue his career by freelancing as a bass player, composing original music, and recording music for other artists.