<p>High standards for artistry and education, along with a strong tradition of mentoring, are part of the legacy passed on from founder Jackie McLean to the current faculty of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. The curriculum is structured to provide the student with essential knowledge and skills for a career in jazz performance and also to gain a thorough understanding of the origins and development of the jazz idiom. As a foundation for technique and artistic standards, the Jackie McLean Institute believes that it is essential to study the classic masters of the tradition, such as Parker, Gillespie, Monk, and Powell. Through a working knowledge of these styles and a comprehension of the African-American music tradition in its historical/cultural context, the student can, with integrity and substance, develop his or her own creative voice.</p>
<p>Mentoring is at the core of Hartts jazz program. Hartt jazz students work closely with the faculty, in both classroom and performance settings, such as on tour in Ireland, opening for alumna Dionne Warwick, and performing with jazz legends Curtis Fuller, trombone, and Hank Jones, piano, who received an honorary doctorate from The Hartt School in April, 2009.</p>
<p>Jazz students take weekly private instruction; courses in African-American music history, improvisation techniques, jazz arranging, and sound technology; as well as Hartts challenging and stimulating core music curriculum; and participate in a variety of performance opportunities. Students interact with internationally recognized jazz musicians to build their professional network and artistry in weekly lessons, core courses, performances, and master classes.</p>
<p>Master class instructors include Hank Jones, Randy Weston, Christain McBride, Larry Willis, Wynton Marsalis, Dena DeRose, Harold Mabern, Tony Reedus, Don Sickler, Cedar Walton, Curtis Fuller, Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, David Hazeltine, Joe Farnsworth, Barry Harris, Dr. Yusef Lateef, Jimmy Heath, One For All, and Hartt Alumni Abraham Burton, Mike DiRubbo, and Jimmy Greene.</p>
<p>Jazz Performing Organizations
The Hartt School provides students with a variety of performance opportunities to create a diverse performing arts series. Jazz Studies majors are required to participate in eight semesters of jazz combos or big band. </p>
<p>Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz Faculty (Please visit [THE</a> HARTT SCHOOL : MUSIC-DANCE-THEATER](<a href=“The Hartt School - University of Hartford”>The Hartt School - University of Hartford) for faculty bios)
Kris Allen, saxophone
Chris Casey, concert jazz band and ensembles
Steve Davis, trombone and ensembles
Richard Goldstein, guitar
Eddie Henderson, master teacher in trumpet
Randy Johnston, master teacher in guitar
Andy LaVerne, piano
René McLean, saxophone, history, and ensembles
Eric McPherson, percussion
Shawnn Monteiro, voice
Nat Reeves, double bass and ensembles
Edward Rozie, ensembles
Gabor Viragh, trumpet
Peter Woodard, jazz theory, chair</p>
<p>Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz Alumni
Kris Allen, saxophone
Abraham Burton, saxophone
James Burton, trombone
Steve Davis, trombone
Mike DiRubbo, saxophone
Dezron Douglas, bass
Wayne Escoffery, saxophone
Jimmy Greene, saxophone
Tony Leone, percussion
Eric McPherson, percussion
Alan Palmer, piano
Antoine Roney, saxophone</p>