Bassist, composer, and educator, Tom Knific, has made a life from his diverse musical passions. Classically trained on two continents, and having been drawn to jazz since childhood, he has navigated and flourished in these worlds, leaving a trail of critically acclaimed concerts and recordings, inspired compositions, and a growing roster of students making their own mark on the music scene.

Tom Knific has performed on tour and on record with Gene Bertoncini, Randy Brecker, Art Farmer, Dave Brubeck, Fred Hersch, The Merling Trio, OPUS 21, Philippe Entremont and others. He and Eric Marienthal co-led the “Dream Band” with Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner and Harvey Mason in the first live interactive jazz concert multi-cast world wide over the Internet. A renown educator, his students have toured and recorded with Betty Carter, Vincent Herring, Cedar Walton, and perform in orchestras on three continents. He received the Down Beat magazine Achievement in Jazz Education award in 2004. Tom is professor of bass and director of jazz studies at Western Michigan University and leader of the WJQ. The WJQ has appeared on five continents receiving rave reviews for their five CD’s of original music. Knific appears on over 30 CD’s. His four solo CD’s, Home Bass, 1998, Siena, 2004, Lines of Influence, 2009, and The Muse, 2011, have received critical acclaim. Knific is a prolific composer in a variety of idioms, and is published by ISB Editions, Dallas, and Editions Delatour, Paris. Knific is past president of the International Society of Bassists.