Trumpeter Michael Hackett is an accomplished performer, composer, arranger, and educator whose career has taken him from jazz clubs across the country to concert stages alongside legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Frankie Valli, and Perry Como. Based near Madison, Wisconsin, he serves as Associate Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Throughout his career, Hackett has performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, and numerous acclaimed jazz ensembles. His trumpet playing has been featured in national television and radio commercials as well as on commercially released recordings. He has also released acclaimed recordings including Circles, New Point of View, and Western Skies.

In addition to performing, Hackett is widely respected as a jazz educator, clinician, and adjudicator. He has served on the faculties of several universities and prestigious jazz camps while mentoring the next generation of musicians. His passion for both education and performance continues to shape the Midwest jazz community.