Michael Hicks moved to Shanghai almost a decade and a half ago to pursue life as a musician in one of the most up-and-coming newly open cities in the world. Michael joins John Heintz this fortnight to discuss how his Shanghai has changed over approaching two decades. They discuss music, finance, technology, education, politics, travel, housing and of course food.
Guest
Michael Hicks began his musical education at the age of four, studying cello at the Eastman School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, New York. As a teenager he picked up the electric bass, and while at St. Lawrence University he started playing double bass and pursuing jazz.
He later attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship from 1996-1999, graduating with a diploma in Music Performance, and subsequently attended the New England Conservatory, also on full scholarship, to receive a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance (2001).
In 2005 Michael moved to Shanghai, China, where he has performed with a wide variety of different artists and groups, including styles such as jazz, classical, pop, experimental, and Kirtan on both bass and cello.
Since 2012 Michael has been a full-time Music teacher at Shanghai United International School; from 2012-2018 he taught at the Gubei campus. He currently serves as the head of Music at the Jiaoke campus. In addition to teaching music, he also leads several student ensembles, and acts as the coach to World Scholars Cup teams, and
As well as being an active musician, Michael has studied yoga for over ten years, and still practices regularly. He also enjoys travel, photography, studying Chinese, and reading, especially books on Asian culture and history..
You can contact Michael here.
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