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Faculty Biography

:: Jeremy Walker::::::


is a composer and pianist working primarily in jazz. Walker began playing saxophone at age ten and studying jazz seriously at age 14. He went on to
work professionally on the saxophone for 15 years, performing in the twin cities and beyond. In 2003, muscular/neurological difficulties in his jaw forced him to exchange the saxophone for piano and composing. After three years of intensive study, he began working professionally on the piano. He has studied with renown pianists David Berkman (Queens College) and Frank Kimbrough (Juilliard), as well classical piano with various teachers in New York and Minneapolis. As a pianist, he has performed with Vincent Gardner, Wessell Anderson, Marcus Printup, Ted Nash (all with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Anthony Cox (Stan Getz, Joe Lovano), Matt Wilson (Dewey Redman and Jazz at Lincoln Center) and other notable musicians. He was the owner of the now defunct club, Brilliant Corners and co-founder of Jazz is NOW! in Minneapolis.Walker moved to New York in 2009 and became known for both his personal and quirky piano playing and composition. In April 2011, Walker stepped down as Artistic Director of Jazz is NOW! to focus on Small City Trio in Minneapolis and BOXCAR, a new band with Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson (best known for his nearly 20 years with Wynton
Marsalis), Anthony Cox, and JT Bates. BOXCAR has performed to enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim in Kansas City, Denver, and Minneapolis. Walker and BOXCAR will perform four nights at New York's famed club, The Jazz Standard, from May 10 - 13. Walker is returning to Minneapolis to be near his son, but continues to perform nationally.		 blank

Teaches:

 piano and saxophone

Teaching Since:

 1990

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English, with a non-fiction essay emphasis, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis
  • Music Minor, Normandale Community College

Groups/Associations:

  • Former Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Brilliant Corners, an all-ages, all-night jazz venue downtown St. Paul
  • Former Artistic Director/Founder of Jazz is NOW!, a non-profit jazz performance and educational organization in Minneapolis
  • Adjunct Professor of Jazz Improvisation in saxophone and piano, Bethel University
  • Commissioned composer through the Jerome Foundation

Student Opportunities:
  • K&S Recitals

Other "Notes":

 Led nationally famous weekly jam sessions attended by students and professionals