Richard Dunscomb

Chairperson of the Music Department
Executive Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble
J. Richard Dunscomb is one of the leading authorities in the field of Jazz music and music education. He has been recognized nationally and internationally as a guest conductor, author, adjudicator, clinician and consultant. Dunscomb is currently forging new paths with his Jazz Meets the Symphony project as he conducts symphony orchestras worldwide. The summer of 2008 found him in Italy conducting the Bari Symphony Orchestra premiering special arrangements by Thomas Gunther and featuring guest vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn. A new concert for the summer of 2010 is being composed and is titled “A Musical Taste of Chicago”.

Throughout his career, Professor Dunscomb has been recognized with numerous honors and awards. In 1992, the International Association of Jazz Educators elected Dunscomb to its Hall of Fame. In 1999, the Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra clinic awarded Dunscomb the prestigious Medal of Honor. The following year he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Elkhart (IN) Jazz Festival. He has also received numerous awards for his outstanding conducting, teaching and service from several universities. He was the North American coordinator for the Montreux (Switzerland) International Jazz Festival for 18 years and has served as the Executive Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.

Through his work with IAJE, Warner Brothers Music, Alfred/Belwin Jazz Music and other agencies he has presented more than 200 workshops including conducting and Jazz clinics throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Europe, Canada, Sweden, Japan and South America.

His most recent publications include, with Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and Resource Guide, a publication designed to provide a foundation and structure to plan and implement a successful Jazz program.

Currently Professor Dunscomb is the chair of the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago, the nation’s premier visual, performing, media and communication arts’ college located in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, he is on the board of directors for the Midwest Clinic, an annual event in Chicago, Illinois with more than 15,000 participants. He also serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Jazz Institute.