Saxophone with Jeff M.

Jeff is a saxophonist that currently teaches and performs in the Denver metro area. He recently received his Master of Arts Degree in Music – Emphasis in Jazz Studies from the University of Iowa and won the 2016 Downbeat Graduate Student Music Award for Best Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist. All About Jazz describes him as an “expressive” saxophonist, “like a seasoned veteran poised to establish himself as musician of note.” In May of 2015, Jeff released, as a leader, his “auspicious debut” (Midwest Record), Perseverance. The album features all original compositions of a variety of styles and influences. Jeff has taken an approach in composition and arranging that “focuses on melody and sophisticated chord progressions to express himself” (Little Village Magazine). Jeff is an active performer on the Colorado music scene. He plays in several groups of various genres, and performs across the state for public and private events. Originally from northern Illinois, Jeff studied Biology as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, undertook research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and spent several months studying in the Galapagos Islands. After a gap year serving in Americorps, he decided to follow his passion by returning to school to study music. He now works full-time in music as a performer and educator. Jeff teaches students of all ages and abilities, and specializes in woodwinds, jazz improvisation, and theory. Some of his past students have gone on to win prestigious soloist awards, achieve top seats in classical and jazz all-state festivals, and attend well respected universities for musical studies. In the past, he also co-directed the University of Iowa Hawkeye Big Band and taught Introduction to Jazz Improvisation at the University of Iowa.