Jay Berckley

Jay Berckley represents the new generation of 21st century musicians. His music encompasses the influences of contemporary and traditional saxophone literature, hip-hop, jazz, electronic, funk, digitized, and experimental music.

Growing up near Detroit, Michigan, Jay studied with the prote'ge of American Saxophone Philosophy, Donald Sinta. While studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy, he was also able to begin a relationship at an early age with Ed Sarath. Mr. Sarath is among the world's leading authorities on improvisation, creativity, and musical consciousness. Donald Walden, from the musical lineage of Dr. Barry Harris, was the cornerstone in helping Jay develop his improvisational voice. Jay was able to learn from some of the greatest authorities in music while receiving both undergraduate and graduate honors from the University of Michigan. This list includes: William Bolcolm, H. Robert Reynolds, William Albright, George Shirley, Ellen Rowe, Gerald Clever, and Dennis Wilson of the Count Basie Big Band.

Since relocating to New York City, Jay has studied the art of Soundpainting with creator Walter Thompson. Jay is also the Director of Symphonic and Jazz Ensembles, in both the middle and upper divisions at The Horace Mann School in New York City. He is responsible for the Pro Tools HD studio offerings as well as their Finale-based music theory/composition courses. Jay is also lecturer in Jazz History and Great Music of the 20th Century. As well, Jay has performed as a guest at the United Nations, NBC Studio's world famous Rainbow Room, Galapagos Art Space, Bowery Poetry Club, Cleopatra's Needle, B.B. Kings, and many other establishments in the NYC metro area.

External links

*http://www.jbelectrified.com/
*http://www.horacemann.org/