Jazz saxophone

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Welcome to the jazz saxophone studio at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!​​

John Gunther teaches our jazz saxophone majors, including 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; 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’s work 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 studio including Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Greg Osby, George Garzone, Jeff Lederer, Stan Sulzmann and College of Music alumna Tia Fuller.

John Gunther

John Gunther is a composer and multi-instrumentalist playing saxophones, clarinet and flute. With a restless musical spirit, he enjoys exploring 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 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