Welcome to the jazz saxophone studio at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!
John Gunther teaches the jazz saxophone majors at the University of Colorado Boulder. This includes BM, MM and 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. This extends into work in intonation, sound quality, range, control and technique. With this work comes the development of the student’s own knowledge of saxophone pedagogy. Repertoire is also an important part of the work done with his students. Through a personalized repertoire of jazz “tunes,” work is done on all aspects of improvisation, including concepts in melodic, 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 studio, including Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Greg Osby, George Garzone, Jeff Lederer, Stan Sulzmann and CU alumna Tia Fuller.
John Gunther
John Gunther has studied with saxophonists Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Dave Liebman, Frank Tiberi, Gary Keller and Joe Viola.
Gunther explores all forms of jazz from traditional to avant-garde as well as classical music, world music and experimental electronic music. Gunther has performed or recorded with Dave Douglas, Ron Miles, Christian McBride, Bobby Watson, Wallace Roney, Larry Goldings, Tom Harrel, Dewey Redman, Joe Williams, The Woody Herman Orchestra and The Maria Schneider Orchestra. As part of New York city's "downtown" music scene for many years, he produced five recordings for Creative Improvised Music Projects (CIMP) and is co-founder of the contemporary jazz ensembles, "Spooky Actions" and "Convergence." Gunther received his PhD from New York University, a master's at the University of Miami and a bachelor's from Berklee College of Music. More
