Workshop Faculty

The New York Jazz Academy is pleased to present the 2009-2010 NYJA Workshops Teaching Roster. After a search involving more than 300 teaching applicants city-wide, the following 5 teachers have been selected to run the Junior Jazz, Jazz Lab, and Big Band Workshops for 2009-2010 school year.

If you would like to enroll in one of our workshops, please fill out this online inquiry form or contact Program Director Javier Arau at nyja@nyjazzacademy.com or (718) 426-0633.
For more about our workshops, visit our programs page.

Javier Arau - Ensembles Director (All Workshops)/Woodwinds (Junior Jazz)

Listen to Javier: "Body and Soul"

About Javier Arau (from the Saxophone Journal, July 2009): "In this, the era of specialization, musicians, just like those in other professions, have followed suit. Things were not always this way. In the 1700s musicians were not just performers, but also composers, arrangers, teachers, producers of concerts, guest soloists, copyists, conductors, contractors, etc. In fact, those who we remember best from that era, Bach, Telemann, Vivaldi, Haydn and Mozart, as well as many other musicians, did it all; it was the accepted norm. Today there are very few who do it all, and of those who do an incredibly small proportion of them do it all extremely well. One who does is Javier Arau."

Javier Arau is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator. The front cover artist on the July 2009 issue Saxophone Journal, he has received four Down Beat Magazine Awards for performance, composition, and arranging, and has received national awards and recognition from ASCAP, BMI, and MENC, among others. An active performer in New York City, he has shared the stage with Dizzy Gillespie, Richie Cole, the Joe Henderson Quartet, Clark Terry, Diana Krall, Steve Lacy, and many more. He studied classical saxophone with Steven Jordheim and jazz saxophone with Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone. An innovator in the field of jazz education, Javier's research and development has been recognized by leading music institutions worldwide. He has taught at New England Conservatory of Music and Lawrence University and teaches private lessons to musicians of all ages in New York City. Javier is the author of several influential music texts and articles, and he has been published by Jazz Educators Journal, UNC Jazz Press, and Dorn Publications. He has taught jazz for over 17 years. Javier lives with his wife and two young daughters in Jackson Heights, NY. For more about Javier, visit www.JavierArau.com.

If you are interested in taking private lessons from Javier, send an email to studywithjavier@nyjazzacademy.com.

Michael Webster - Woodwinds (Jazz Lab/Big Band)

Listen to Michael:
"Integrity"

Saxophonist Michael Webster's compositions have been played by Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell and Arturo O'Farrill at Birdland and by John Benitez at the Blue Note in New York City. In March 2008, Michael conducted the Grammy winning Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra at Symphony Space in Manhattan, where they premiered his original commissioned composition "Mombogro". He returned to lead the ALJO's performance of two commissioned arrangements in October 2008 featuring guitarist/composer Michele Ramo. Michael appears regularly with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada as an orchestral saxophonist, and has been a featured soloist in this capacity with John Pizzarelli, Doc Severinsen, Barbara Cooke, Lou Rawls, Ian Tyson, Glen Campbell & Carol Welsman. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Michael earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Saxophone at the University of Toronto in 1999. He was awarded the J.B.C. Watkins Award for Postgraduate Studies, along with a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, which enabled him to move to New York City in 2002. Michael graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in May 2004 where he earned his Master of Music degree in jazz composition under the tutelage of Michael Abene. While at MSM, Michael began collaborating with Grammy-winning bassist John Benitez, playing saxophone, co-writing and arranging music for the John Benitez Group and the 12-piece Gospel Latin Jazz Project. Since 2003, Michael has been collaborating with Puerto Rican trombonist/percussionist William Cepeda as an arranger for big band and symphony orchestra, as well as playing saxophone in Cepeda's International Sextet. In September 2005 Michael recorded his debut CD as a leader entitled Leading Lines. The album presents 8 original works, for jazz nonet, woodwind quintet and strings. Featured are John Benitez on bass, drummer Obed Calvaire, trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, and Gordon Webster on piano. Presenting a unique blend of Latin Jazz rhythms, classical textures, funky odd meter settings and sheer groove, Michael's 13-piece orchestra, Leading Lines, is a perfect springboard for melodically accessible, harmonically rich & rhythmically infectious music. The group features some of NYC's best young jazz musicians in a unique setting, including Sara Caswell on violin, Rob Mosher on soprano sax & oboe, and Erica vonKleist on saxophone and flute. A passionate educator, Michael continues to serve as musical director of United Rhythms & Visions, a New Jersey-based arts agency bringing music, art & drama to inner-city schools. He has over ten years of experience teaching private lessons in saxophone, clarinet, flute, composition, arranging, jazz theory & improvisation. Michael lives with his wife in Brooklyn, NY. For more about Michael, visit www.OneManMusic.com.

If you are interested in taking private lessons from Michael, send an email to studywithmichaelw@nyjazzacademy.com.

Chris Rogers - Trumpet/High Brass (All Workshops)

Listen to Chris:
"Blues for Michelle"

"Because You're My Lover"

Trumpeter and composer Chris Rogers has performed extensively throughout Europe, Japan, South America and the United States as a featured soloist with many prominent artists in jazz and Latin music. At the age of 19, he began a five-year association with Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band, replacing the legendary Tom Harrell as the featured trumpeter. Since then, Chris has been featured with Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, The Mingus Big-Band, Mel Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hilton Ruiz, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Mercer Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Lee Konitz, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Chaka Khan, Maria Schneider, Bob Moses, Tom Harrell, and Mongo Santamaria (as both trumpeter and pianist!!!). During 2005/2006, Chris led 3-piece horn sections for Eartha Kitt (Carnegie Hall / JVC Jazz festival) and Tonya Pinkins ("Jazz at Lincoln Center"). He also recorded and performed with the San Francisco-based cabaret artist Terese Genneco. In 2007 he was featured on critically acclaimed recordings by Pete McGuiness ("First Flight"), Gary Morgan ("Felicidades"), and Marty Sheller ("Why Deny"). Chris' Broadway show credits include "Fosse", "42nd Street", Paul Simon's "Capeman", "Kiss Me Kate (lead)", "Annie Get Your Gun", "Wonderful Town" and "CATS". He has received awards from both JAZZIZ and Downbeat magazines, and also performs on EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) and keyboards. A New York City native, Chris is a product of this city's vibrant music scene and his playing style reflects his many varied influences. His jazz training began by osmosis Ð his father was the late, great trombonist Barry Rogers. From a very young age Chris got to hang out with musicians such as Eddie Palmieri, Michael and Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, and even James Taylor. Chris soon gained invaluable experience by sitting in around town with The Brecker Brothers' band, Soloff, Woody Shaw, and Mike Stern. Chris studied classical trumpet with Vincent Penzarella of the New York Philharmonic and was trained at the Manhattan School of Music, the University of Miami, and New York's ("Famed") High School of Music and Art. Chris' debut recording as a composer and bandleader, "Voyage Home", is due out in 2009. It features the late 13-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist Michael Brecker, and also features Ted Nash (lead alto saxophonist with Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra). Chris has over 30 years experience teaching students of all ages. Chris lives with his wife and three teenage children on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

If you are interested in taking private trumpet lessons from Chris, send an email to studywithchris@nyjazzacademy.com.

Mike Fahie - Trombone/Low Brass (All Workshops)

Listen to Mike:
"The Journey"

Trombonist and composer Mike Fahie has been active performing and writing music in New York since 2000. A native of Ottawa, Canada, Mike began his professional career in Montreal, performing and touring with many great musicians, including Ranee Lee, Vic Vogel, and Jesus "El Nino" Alejandro. Mike moved to New York to pursue his Master's Degree at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with legendary jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig, and becoming the first ever Canadian Fulbright Scholar in the field of Jazz. While at MSM, Mike and fellow Montrealer Billy Bouffard formed the sextet Utopia. They were invited to perform at the inaugural Carnegie Hall Jazz Workshop, an event that culminated in a highlight performance at Carnegie Hall in 2002. Shortly after finishing his Master's Degree, Mike was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trombone Competition. Mike is a member of the Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York, the renowned contemporary music ensemble Continuum, Pedro Giraudo's "Mr. Vivo Big Band", the Paul Carlon octet, Darcy James Argue's "Secret Society", and others. Mike has performed and toured with other renowned jazz artists, such as John McNeil, Ken Peplowski, Ingrid Jensen, Donny McCaslin, Jon Cowherd, John Ellis and others. Mike lives with his wife in Brooklyn, NY. For more about Mike, visit www.MikeFahie.com.

If you are interested in taking private lessons from Mike, send an email to studywithmikefa@nyjazzacademy.com.

Tom Dempsey - Rhythm Section/Strings (All Workshops)

Listen to Tom:
"Blues in the Slope"

Guitarist Tom Dempsey's reputation for hard swinging sophistication and pure musicality have made him a distinct voice in the New York jazz scene. Dempsey has performed and/or recorded with a virtual "Who's Who" of world renowned jazz musicians including: George Coleman, Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Bobby McFerrin, Jack McDuff, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, Brad Mehldau, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Buddy Montgomery, Gerald Wilson, Mel Torme, Richard Wyands, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Brubeck. He has recorded four CDs as a leader: What's Going On (Citytone Records), Perspectives (Imaginary Records), Blues In The Slope (Igmod Records/TJD Music), If Only We Knew (TJD Music). Tom has also recorded as a sideman on many recordings. Since 1992, Tom has been performing as a leader and a sideman at some of the top jazz venues throughout the world including the JVC Jazz Festival, SF Jazz Festival, The Blue Note, Yoshi's, Smalls, and Smoke. Tom is an Artist Endorsee for Thomastik-Infeld Strings. Known for his versatility as a musician Dempsey has made numerous appearances on New York radio and television including performances on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, the HBO series Sex and the City, and NPR. Dempsey has also performed for many Broadway shows including Bring In 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, Patti Lupone on Broadway, and Aida. Along with his active performing career, Tom Dempsey's talent as a composer is receiving noteworthy attention. Because of his distinctive sound and style Dempsey's music has been described as having "fine compositional ability and stylistic accessibility." His music has been featured on his four CDs as well as television and radio programs throughout the world including the HBO hit series Sex and the City. Tom received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in May 1991. In May 1996, he acquired his Masters Degree in Jazz/Commercial Music at Manhattan School of Music. Tom's deep commitment to education has made him a highly sought after educator and clinician. In recent years he has been teaching at Jazz at Lincoln Center, SUNY New Paltz, Rutgers University, and the National Guitar Workshop where he serves as Artistic Director for the Jazz Summit and Director of Music for all of the campuses. As an author Dempsey work includes four books: The Jazz Guitar Experience, Easy Jazz Soloing for Guitar, Sight-Reading for the Contemporary Guitarist and Classic Jazz Styles for Guitar and one DVD entitled Theory for The Contemporary Guitarist which are available through Alfred Music and Workshop Arts. He has also produced over 170 online music lessons for WorkshopLive.com. Tom has over 25 years experience coaching rhythm sections of all ages, from young children through adults. In addition to playing guitar, he plays bass, piano, drums, and percussion. Tom lives with his wife in Midtown Manhattan. For more about Tom, visit www.TomDempseyMusic.com.

If you are interested in taking private guitar lessons from Tom, send an email to studywithtom@nyjazzacademy.com.

Private Teachers

New York Jazz Academy offers a complete private teaching roster across all of New York City. Feel free to view our complete faculty roster.

Workshop Enrollment

If you would like to enroll in one of our workshops, please fill out this online inquiry form or contact Program Director Javier Arau at nyja@nyjazzacademy.com or (718) 426-0633.
For more about our workshops, visit our programs page.