Dr. Michael Varner has recently retired from the position of Director of Percussion at the University of Texas at Arlington after 36 years. Previous to that he was Director of Percussion at Western Michigan University. He has taught Percussion and World Music at the University level for a total of 40 years. He holds a degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master’s in Performance from The University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Performance from The University of North Texas. With a long history as a performer he draws from over 40 years’ experience performing new and time-honored repertoire to the highest standards. In 2014, he released his latest CD “reVelations” featuring his own compositions. Excerpts from Dr. Varner’s performances can be seen on YouTube. He has presented Percussion clinics in every state, Europe, and Japan and has over 20 commissioned compositions published internationally.

His interest in world music led to a sabbatical in Nigeria and “Study-Abroad” classes to Ghana. His article “Skin That Speaks” was published in the 2013 Percussive Notes Journal and he received a Grant to accept an invitation from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria for teaching and research. He taught all percussion and world music courses at UTArlington and was a member of the Honor’s College Faculty, chosen as Honor’s faculty member of the Year.