Jazz saxophone

Audition + apply

Welcome to the jazz saxophonestudioat the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!​​

John Gunther teaches our jazz saxophone majors, includingBM, MMand DMA students. At all levels, Gunther works with his students to develop and maintain a solid foundation in the physical aspects of playing the instrument—having good breath control, embouchure and posture; as well as work in intonation, sound quality, range, control and technique. With this work comes the development of each student’s own knowledge of saxophone pedagogy.

Repertoire is also an important part of Gunther’swork with his students. Through a personalized repertoire of jazz “tunes,” we work on all aspects of improvisation including concepts in melody, harmony and rhythm.Classical repertoire is used as well to further develop technique. In addition to saxophone, Gunther works with his students on flute and clarinet.

Many great saxophonists have visited the jazz saxophone studioincluding Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Greg Osby, George Garzone, Jeff Lederer, Stan Sulzmann and College of Music alumna Tia Fuller.

John Gunther

John Gunther

John Gunther is a composer and multi-instrumentalist playing saxophones, clarinetand flute.With a restless musical spirit, he enjoys exploring all forms of jazz, from traditional to avant-garde, as well as classical music, world musicand experimental electronic music.Gunther has performed or recorded with many notable jazz artists including Dave Douglas, Ron Miles, Christian McBride, Bobby Watson, Wallace Roney, Larry Goldings, Tom Harrel, Dewey Redman, Joe Williams, The Woody Herman Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and The Maria Schneider Orchestra.His most recent recording, “Safari Trio” with Brad Shepik and John Hadfield, can be found on the Dazzle Jazz Record Label and his website.MORE

Upcoming jazz events

Contact

John Gunther
Professor of Jazz Studies (Saxophones, Clarinet + Flute)
Director, Thompson Jazz Studies Program
john.gunther@colorado.edu
303-735-1492
,206HH