About
Garrett Motes is a Lecturer of Jazz Studies at the University of West Georgia, affiliated with the School of Visual and Performing Arts within the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. He holds a Bachelor's in Classical Guitar Performance from Point University and a Master's in Jazz Guitar Performance from Georgia State University. Prior to his current role, he taught at Point University and Lagrange College, focusing on guitar instruction and American Music History.
His research interests emphasize the evolution of American music, particularly jazz's roots in blues and gospel, and its progression into hip hop and R&B. He actively performs in diverse genres, including bluegrass, metal, and jazz, advocating for open-mindedness in musical appreciation. Motes leads the University Big Band and jazz combo groups, blending performance with pedagogy.
He has performed with notable artists like Tom Scott and Miguel Zenon, and has served as a music director for metro Atlanta churches and events such as the Fulton County 'Arts in the City' initiative. His teaching spans courses in jazz theory, aural skills, improvisation, and ensemble leadership.
