Michael Aukofer
Michael Aukofer is an accomplished American percussionist, composer, producer, and music educator with a diverse and influential career.
Raised in Wichita, Kansas, he completed his high school education in 1992 and later earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education (both vocal and instrumental) from Friends University, Wichita. He then pursued a Master’s in Percussion Performance at Wichita State University, completing it over three semesters. Continuing his academic journey, Aukofer earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Kentucky, where he was awarded a full teaching assistantship and an Academic Excellence Scholarship; he completed his coursework in 2004, with the dissertation defended in 2011.
A versatile performer, Aukofer has toured and recorded with notable artists and groups such as Rich Mullins, Mitch McVicker, Alathea, and The Ragamuffin Band. He has contributed percussion and songwriting to multiple recordings, especially with Phil Keaggy, and is credited on albums like Brushstrokes, Splash, and In the Quiet Hours. His compositions and percussion ensemble works are widely published and used; Row-Loff Productions lists many of his ensemble and solo works, such as Identity Crisis, Criminal Activity, In the Black Hills, and Fantasy on the Plains.
Since 2004, Aukofer has served as Director of Music at West Ridge Community Church in Elgin, Illinois. He continues composing, teaching, and directing music programs there. He also directs a yearly Rock Band Camp for young musicians (ages 12–18) at the church, combining private instruction, ensemble performance, and stage skills development. From 1996 to 2007, Michael founded and composed for a high school percussion workshop at Friends University and also led the Appalachian Christmas Quartet, performing and releasing albums annually across central Kansas.
