Jay Berckley
Encyclopedia
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 a 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.
Growing up near Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
, Jay studied with the prote'ge of American Saxophone Philosophy, Donald Sinta
Donald Sinta
Donald Sinta is an American classical saxophonist, educator, and administrator.In 1969 he was the first elected chair of the World Saxophone Congress.-Teaching career:He serves as Earl V...
. 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
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
. This list includes: William Bolcolm, H. Robert Reynolds, William Albright
William Albright (musician)
William Albright was an American composer, pianist and organist.Albright was born in Gary, Indiana, and began learning the piano at the age of five, and attended the Juilliard Preparatory Department , the Eastman School of Music and the University of Michigan , where he studied composition with...
, George Shirley
George Shirley
George Irving Shirley is a renowned tenor opera singer.He is a National Patron of Delta Omicron, an international professional music fraternity.-External links:*** by Bruce Duffie...
, 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
Soundpainting
Soundpainting is the live composing sign language created in 1974 by New York composer Walter Thompson for musicians, dancers, actors, poets, and visual artists. At present the Soundpainting language comprises more than 1200 gestures that are signed by the composer/director, known as the...
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
Horace Mann School
Horace Mann School is an independent college preparatory school in New York City, New York, United States founded in 1887 known for its rigorous course of studies. Horace Mann is a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League, educating students from all across the New York tri-state area from...
in New York City. He is responsible for the Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation platform for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, developed and manufactured by Avid Technology. It is widely used by professionals throughout the audio industries for recording and editing in music production, film scoring, film, and television...
HD studio offerings as well as their Finale-based music theory/composition courses. Jay is also a 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
Rainbow Room
The Rainbow Room was an upscale restaurant and nightclub on the 65th floor of the GE Building in Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-Cuisine:...
, Galapagos Art Space, Bowery Poetry Club, Cleopatra's Needle, B.B. Kings, and many other establishments in the NYC metro area.