Michael Allen

Dr. Michael L. Allen, co-author of Essential Elements for Strings, began his teaching career in the public schools of Spartanburg, South Carolina and later as String Coordinator for the Denton Independent School District (Texas).

Allen was appointed to the FSU faculty in 1993. He also served as Coordinator, Director, and Conductor of the FSU String Orchestra Camp. He was named the Florida Music Educators Association College Music Educator of the Year and earned a Citation for Leadership and Merit from the American String Teachers Association.

Dr. Allen is widely published and served as Editor-in-Chief of The Florida Music Director as well as Editor for the String Research Journal. He conducted honor orchestras throughout the United States and presented string workshops nationally and internationally.

Allen was a Master Teacher. He was able to inspire people to become better teachers, musicians, and human beings. Allen taught patience, kindness, love of teaching, love of music, and integrity. Generations of teachers and students will be forever impacted by his lifelong work.

Allen passed away in August of 2010.