Dr. Jason Kush
Dr. Jason Kush, a 2004 Slippery Rock University graduate (B.S. in Music Education – Magna Cum Laude), was appointed to the Instructor of Saxophone and Clarinet position in August, 2009. In addition to teaching and coordinating the saxophone studio, Dr. Kush teaches
applied clarinet, directs the saxophone quartets and small jazz ensembles, co-leads the Jazz Lab Band, and teaches improvisation. He earned both his Master of Music degree in Jazz Pedagogy and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance (with cognate in Music Technology) from the University of Miami. While in Miami, Dr. Kush studied with Gary Keller and Dale Underwood,
won the 2008 Concerto Competition, and received the 2008 Outstanding Graduate Student Award. | |
The ability to accurately and enthusiastically change styles of performance has aided in landing Dr. Kush positions in ensembles ranging from the South Florida Jazz Orchestra to the New World Symphony (with whom he toured France and Spain in 2008 as part of an extended four week tour). As a dynamic freelance performer and recording artist, Dr. Kush has had the pleasure of performing with Andrea Bocelli, The Russian National Orchestra, The Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia, The Woody Hermann Orchestra, The Miami Saxophone Quartet, Arturo Sandoval, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Barry Manilow, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli and The O’Jays. 2006 brought Mr. Kush the honor of recording a double Grammy nominated album with Eddie Daniels, Tom Scott, and the Henri Mancini Institute Big Band. Through his career, Mr. Kush has participated in world premieres composed by David Maslanka, Christopher Rouse, Patrick Williams, and Jason Freeman.