Michael Hancock

Associate Professor of Music - Director of Bands

mhancock@uca.edu

120A

(501) 450-5764

 

Dr. Michael Hancock is the Director of Bands at the University of Central Arkansas, conductor of the UCA Wind Ensemble, directs the graduate instrumental conducting program, teaches courses in undergraduate instrumental conducting, and oversees the band department.

 

As a conductor, Dr. Hancock has worked to spread a philosophy of music that is encompassing and borderless. In doing so, he has enjoyed a career spanning multiple continents, ensemble genres, and worked in both professional and educational settings. Known for his collaborative approach to rehearsals and deeply meaningful performances, he has sought new and intriguing opportunities to perform in collaboration with visual artists, actors, and guest composers. His commitment to the performance of new music has been praised by prominent contemporary composers including Michael Colgrass, Michael Daugherty, Zhou Tian, Paul Dooley, Joel Puckett, Steven Bryant, and Walter Mays.

 

Dr. Hancock began his career in the public schools of Texas and Arkansas, and he continues his commitment for advocating an artful music education. He frequently serves as a guest conductor, clinician, and presenter throughout the United States and Europe. Prior to his appointment at UCA, he served as the Interim Director of Bands, and Associate Director of Concert Bands at the University of Oklahoma where he conducted both the Wind Symphony and the Symphony Band. Dr. Hancock earned both his MM and DMA at the University of Miami, FL where he was a conducting fellow, and served as the Associate Conductor of the Frost Wind Ensemble, and Frost Chamber Winds. He studied orchestral conducting and repertoire at the Conservatorium Maastricht in the Netherlands, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Arkansas Tech University. His teachers include Gary Green, Thomas Sleeper, Jan Cober, Hal Cooper, and Pat Ellison.