Mikayla Bertelsen

Biography

From Bay City, Michigan, percussionist Mickey Bertelsen's ideals are centered around being a "total percussionist". She frequently performs with musical theater shows, classical chamber ensembles, orchestras and other contemporary music ensembles.

​Mickey's passions are performing in musical theatre orchestras, contemporary music ensembles, and teaching. She has played with many select musical theatre shows in theatres in Michigan, New Jersey, and Colorado. She also values the art of teaching and has many private students studying percussion (orchestral and drum set) and piano under her guidance.

​Mickey also serves with the 78th Army Band out of Ft. Dix, New Jersey. As a member of this Army Band she has an active performing career in the band's concert band, rock band, and marching band as well as providing musical support for funeral details.

​Mickey earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Central Michigan University and a Masters of Music degree in Performance from Michigan State University. While at Michigan State University she also earned a Certificate in Music Career Development.

Currently, Mickey is a freelance musician in the greater New York City area and is a performer with The New York Giants Drumline, a modern dance accompanist at Rutgers University Dance Department, and on staff with the Athletic Bands at Rutgers University. She has also premiered new musicals, and has played in many other professional settings. Mickey recently completed her doctoral degree at Rutgers University under the tutelage of Joe Tompkins. She has previously studied with: Andrew Spencer, David Hall, Jon Weber, Gwendolyn Dease, Mike Truesdell, Ian Sullivan, and Javier Diaz.

​Recently, Mickey finished a National Tour of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" Live in Concert featuring the Broadway Sinfonietta playing percussion.