Michael Crawford

Dr. Michael Crawford is a Lecturer of Music Education & Percussion at the University of North Texas. His varied responsibilities at UNT include teaching undergraduate coursework, percussion applied lessons, coordinating the College of Music’s student teaching program, overseeing all curriculum and instruction for the Percussion Methods courses, and co-directing the UNT Percussion Group percussion ensemble. Dr. Crawford serves as an elected representative on the UNT Faculty Senate, as well as an administrator and faculty member for the summer Marching Percussion Camp and American Percussion Seminar. 

Before joining the faculty at UNT, Dr. Crawford dedicated a decade of his career to teaching MS/HS band and percussion throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area metroplex. Additionally, he served on the instrumental faculty at Tarleton State University (2011–2014) and as the drumline instructor/arranger for Baylor University (2013–2017).  

Dr. Crawford maintains an active role as a clinician and adjudicator for events across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Recent invitations include the ‘23 PASIC Percussion Chamber Competition (Indianapolis, IN), ’23 Academy of Music (Kraków, Poland), the ‘24 and ’25 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod and Drumline Competition (Sydney, NSW, Australia), and the ’25 USBands Southeastern Texas Championships (Houston, TX). He has been invited to present featured showcase concerts, workshops, and research at NAfME, CBDNA, the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, TMEA, and TBA.  

As a percussionist, Dr. Crawford has performed with regional orchestras, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, and drum corps. He is a highly sought-after collaborator and accompanist for choral programs across the country, including performances with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, multiple choirs at the National ACDA Conference, and serving as the Instrumental Coordinator for TMEA’s four All-State choirs. Dr. Crawford has published articles in The Instrumentalist, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Rhythm! Scene Magazine, and musical compositions through C. Alan Publications. He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society Education Committee, Black Swamp Percussion Educator Network, and a proud Artist/endorser of Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, and Pearl/Adams percussion products.