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About the Jazz Department

Director of Jazz Studies: Ryan Middagh

The mission of the jazz program at Blair is to foster in our students a solid, working understanding of the fundamentals of improvisational music. 

Participation and opportunities in small ensembles, large ensembles, studio playing, composition, arranging, and teaching allow students to develop a unique, personal and individual musical voice that is influenced by the musical history of primarily North American improvisational music (jazz).

Faculty

	Ryan Middagh Senior Lecturer in Jazz Studies; Director of Jazz Studies	Email Website 615-343-3109 2130 Blair
	Roland Barber Adjunct Associate Professor of Trombone and Jazz Studies Adjunct Associate Professor of Trombone and Jazz Studies	Email
	Jeff Coffin Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Saxophone	Email Website 615-322-4917 2118 Blair
	Bruce Dudley Adjunct Instructor in Jazz Piano	Email 615-322-4938 2184 Blair
	Jerry Kimbrough Adjunct Associate Professor of Guitar	Email Website 615-343-6360 1190 Blair
	Derrek C. Phillips Adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Drumset	Email (943) 420-8893 1153 Blair
	Roger A. Spencer Adjunct Artist Teacher of Jazz Ensemble	Email (615) 646-6817 1176 Blair
	Christina Watson Adjunct Lecturer in Voice; Director of Blair Jazz Choir	Email Website