Mike Steinel is an Associate Professor in the Jazz Studies Division of the College of Music at the University of North Texas. He teaches Jazz Improvisation, Pedagogy of Improvisation, and Jazz Trumpet Masterclass. He directs the UNT Jazz Combo Workshop and the UNT Jazz Trumpet Workshop. He has published numerous compositions for jazz ensembles. He is the author of Building A Jazz Vocabulary, Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble, and Essential Standards for Jazz Ensemble. He is a trumpeter, pianist and composer and has numerous recordings to his credit.

Mike Steinel holds a BME degree from Emporia State University and a MME degree from the University of North Texas. An experienced jazz trumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger, Mr. Steinel was jazz artist in residence at Bethel College and was on the faculty of Northern Illinois University before coming to North Texas. He has served on the faculties of the Clark Terry Jazz Camp, the Jamey Aebersold Improvisation Camps, the Saskatchewan Summer Jazz Camp and the University of Missouri Summer Jazz Residency.

Mike has performed as soloist at the MENC and IAJE national conventions and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His playing experience includes work with Clark Terry, Don Ellis, Bill Evans, Jerry Bergonzi and recordings with the Chicago Jazz Quintet and the Frank Mantooth Big Band. Honors received include an Illinois Arts Council Chairman's Grant (1985) and a jazz fellowship grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (1987).