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Gunther, John G

Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • As a jazz saxophonist and composer Dr. Gunther's expertise lies in mastering and communicating the range of jazz styles that have developed over the last century. As the art of improvisation is central to the study of jazz, Dr. Gunther is interested in developing the pedagogy of improvisation through a deeper understanding of the creative process and expanding that study to other styles of music and disciplines beyond music. Additionally, his research explores the integration of technology and multi-media with live performance allowing for collaboration between a wide array of disciplines. This research includes the formation of the Boulder Laptop Orchestra in 2007. Dr. Gunther is involved in an initiative to explore the enhancement of the pedagogy of STEM through music and the arts.

keywords

  • Jazz performance, jazz improvisation, saxophone performance, jazz composition, computer music, multi-media composition and performance, creative process for composers and performers, jazz pedagogy, saxophone pedagogy, Pedagogy of STEM through Music and the Arts, Gnawa music

Teaching

courses taught

  • EMUS 1427 - Jazz Ensemble
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Students perform in a principal format for jazz expression. The large ensemble setting affords the opportunity to expand knowledge of jazz styles and repertoire as well as refine reading skills and improve spontaneous interaction with other musicians. Placed through auditions held at the beginning of search semester. Same as EMUS 3427 and EMUS 5427.
  • EMUS 1437 - Jazz Combo
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Allows students the opportunity to perform in the principal format for jazz expression. The small group setting affords performers the opportunity to refine improvisation skills, improve spontaneous interaction with musicians and expand knowledge of jazz styles and repertoire. Placed through auditions held at the beginning of each semester. Same as EMUS 3427 and EMUS 5437.
  • EMUS 1457 - Electronic Music Ensemble
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2020
    Explores performance, composition and the history of electronic music, including 20th century art music on through to electronic music in contemporary popular culture. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Same as EMUS 3457 and EMUS 5457.
  • EMUS 3427 - Jazz Ensemble
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Students perform in a principal format for jazz expression. The large ensemble setting affords the opportunity to expand knowledge of jazz styles and repertoire as well as refine reading skills and improve spontaneous interaction with other musicians. Placed through auditions held at the beginning of each semester. Recommended prerequisite: EMUS 1427 or previous experience in large jazz ensembles. Same as EMUS 1427 and EMUS 5427.
  • EMUS 3437 - Jazz Combo
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Allows students the opportunity to perform in the principal format for jazz expression. The small group setting affords performers the opportunity to refine improvisation skills, improve spontaneous interaction with musicians and expand knowledge of jazz styles and repertoire. Placed through auditions held at the beginning of each semester. Recommended prerequisite: EMUS 1437 or previous performance experience in small jazz combos. Same as EMUS 1437 and EMUS 5437.
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