Clarinet professor Michael Sullivan dies at 43

Michael Sullivan

Michael Sean Sullivan, associate professor of the clarinet since 1994, died June 27, 2007, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando, Fla. He was 43.

Born August 24, 1963, in Manhasset, N.Y., Dr. Sullivan grew up in a musical family in Winter Park, Fla., where he and his brother and sisters played a variety of instruments.

Dr. Sullivan studied the clarinet his whole life, earning a bachelor's degree in music education and a doctorate of music in clarinet performance from Florida State University. He also earned a master's in music from the University of Michigan.

As the winner of a Fulbright Scholarship, Dr. Sullivan pursued post-baccalaureate study in Munich, Germany, and as first-prize winner of the Pro-Mozart Society of Atlanta Concerto Competition, he was awarded a grant to study in Salzburg, Austria.

Dr. Sullivan joined the NAU faculty in 1994 and was named 2005-06 Teacher of the Year for the College of Arts and Letters.

"Words cannot express how much he will be missed from all of his friends and students," said Corey Mackey, a freelance clarinet instructor and former student. "He was an inspiring teacher, a breathtaking musician and a true friend."

Dr. Sullivan appeared as a soloist with various orchestras throughout the United States and Europe including the Music Academy of the West, the U.S. Army Field Band, the Sedona Chamber Music Festival and the Salzburg Festival.

"Michael Sullivan exuded a musical passion, love of teaching young musicians, and zest for life matched by few people," said Todd Sullivan, director of NAU's School of Music. "His infectious personality could light up a room and inspire musicians of all ages to strive for beauty in their art. Everyone who knew this wonderful individual will sorely miss Michael Sullivan."

Dr. Sullivan is survived by his parents, Hal and Trish Sullivan of Winter Park, Fla.; brother Brian Sullivan (Jennifer) of Winter Park; and sisters Kathleen (Brandon) Cockrel of Smithland, Ky., Maura (Joseph) Hasseu of Oviedo, Fla., and Sheila (Steve) Voss of Edwardsville, Ill.; along with nine nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services were held July 2 in Winter Park.

A scholarship fund has been set up in his name, and donations may be made to: NAU Foundation, Michael Sullivan Young Artists Scholarship Fund, School of Music, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 6040, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.