Several additional faculty have been appointed to the Jazz Studies Department since Sean Jones was named Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies, as the Conservatory solidifies its commitment to providing a first-class education in jazz — one that reflects both the profound history of jazz in Baltimore and Peabody’s reputation as a premier conservatory. “We could not have a more stellar group of artists for this new era for jazz at Peabody,” notes Dean Bronstein.

Baltimore native and jazz bassist Kristopher Funn is an honors graduate of Howard University and recently released his debut album, Cornerstore. He continues to perform professionally in the Baltimore/ Washington D.C. metropolitan area when not touring internationally. Internationally acclaimed saxophonist, educator, composer, and arranger Tim Green, a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts, received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and his master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Southern California’s Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

Quincy Phillips is a drummer, pianist, and organist at his home church, East Baltimore Deliverance, who holds his BA in music from Howard University and is a member of the Grammy-award-winning Christian McBride Big Band. He is currently touring with Roy Hargrove and Christian McBride.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Toronto native and guitarist Matthew Stevens has been an essential contributor to new work by artists including Esperanza Spalding, for whom he played key roles on both the Emily’s D+Evolution and Exposure projects. Downbeat magazine named Stevens among their 25 For the Future in 2016.

First Runner-Up in the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition, Charenée Wade is a singer, composer, arranger, and educator who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Her debut CD, Love Walked In, was released in July 2010.

An alumnus of the Peabody Preparatory and the Baltimore School for the Arts, vibraphone specialist Warren Wolf studied at the Berklee College of Music. He is leader of the group Warren Wolf & WOLFPACK, and has recorded seven records as a leader.

Coming to Peabody as a Visiting Artist in Jazz Studies for 2018–19, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Alex Brown has been a member of Paquito D’Rivera’s ensemble since 2007. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory.

Along with these new faculty artists, drummer and composer Nasar Abadey, who has taught at Peabody since 2006, will remain on the faculty. Additional master classes and residencies featuring still more top-notch jazz musicians will introduce a wealth of experiences and approaches.

“We are very excited about the direction this program is heading,” concludes Senior Associate Dean for Institute Studies Abra Bush. “The breadth and depth of the faculty and guest artist roster, and the energy these amazing musicians bring to their teaching, will make studying jazz at Peabody a singular experience.”