Jamey Haddad
Professor of Advanced Improvisation and Percussion at Oberlin, Faculty at Cleveland Institute of Music
Perhaps the most famous hand percussionist living today, Professor Jamey Haddad’s work spans both jazz as well as contemporary world styles.
His musical collaborations include only the most impressive performers today, including classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma, songwriter Paul Simon, jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano, film composer Elliot Goldenthal, Grammy-winning jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding, and others.
Having performed on over 200 recordings, Jamey Haddad is equally adept as a teacher. Oberlin’s jazz program is perhaps the most prestigious of its type in a liberal arts college, thanks in large part to the presence of Jamey Haddad as well as other equally legendary jazz musicians.
Previously, Jamey Haddad taught at the Berklee College of Music.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Faculty in Conducting at the Curtis Institute of Music
At age 44, Yannick Nézet-Séguin is already one of the most important conductors living today.
He is the music director of three of the world’s most important classical music organizations: the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Orchestre Metropolitan of Canada.
His impressive resume’ as a conductor is backed up by his several commercial recordings of works by both classical as well as modern composers, including Bruckner, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, and even Italian composer Nino Rota, famous for his score to The Godfather.
In 2016, publication Musical America named him Artist of the Year.
Yehuda Gilad
Professor of Clarinet Performance (Classical) at USC Thornton & Faculty in Clarinet at The Colburn School
One of the world’s most important clarinet professors, Yehuda’s track record for sending students into orchestral positions around the world is remarkable.
Because of his excellence as a professor, he was awarded a “Distinguished Teaching Award” from the White House, as well as Teacher of the Year from Colburn.
Although he is well-known as a clarinet professor, he is an equally adept conductor, and is actually the music director of the Colburn Orchestra.
Acceptance into his clarinet studios at both Colburn and USC are among the most selective in the country.
Featured Image – Kroum, Orchestra Hall at the Symphony Center in Chicago, CC BY-SA 4.0