Music Faculty - Michael Hillstrom

Michael Hillstrom

Instructor, music theory and appreciation
mhillstrom@mchenry.edu

  • BA, Webster University
  • MA, Illinois State University

Michael Hillstrom is known for his dry sense of humor, which is fortunate because he's never heard of a wet sense of humor. An instructor of music theory and appreciation, Mike holds degrees in music composition from Illinois State University and Webster University. He has also schooled at the University of Minnesota, Marquette University, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, and Moose Lake High School.

In addition to his freelance work on piano, guitars, and vocals, Mike is an unaccomplished trumpet player. He is the composer of the McHenry County College Graduation March and also writes for chamber orchestra, string quartet, and other ensembles. Mike's songwriting credits include novelty songs such as "What Shall I Do With Dorothy?" and the "Purple Polka Rap."