Emory Jazz Studies

The Emory Jazz Studies program features courses in improvisation and history, as well as private instruction and performance opportunities. Our mission is to educate students about the rich tradition of American jazz while providing insight into the creative process through performance and analysis. The program includes undergraduate and graduate students spanning the liberal arts. Musicians develop skills in performance through the study of classic repertory in smaller ensembles or in the big band, which focuses on traditional works of the past and present.

Emory Jazz Faculty

Gary Motley, professor of practice

Since launching a solo career in 1994, Gary Motley has been at the forefront of jazz in the southeastern United States, establishing himself as both a keyboard virtuoso and a composer. His captivating performances transport audiences back in time as Motley blends musicianship, creativity, and tradition.

Recognized by Downbeat magazine, the American Composers Forum, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Motley was recently cited by his home state for his artistic and educational achievements with his induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Motley is also committed to jazz education and awareness. In his role at Emory, Motley developed the Robert Strickland Jazz Studio—an innovative, interactive teaching facility that integrates the rich heritage of American jazz with today’s technology practices.