Gary Motley

Gary Motley is Professor of Practice and founding Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University, where he teaches jazz piano and composition. An active performer with 30+ albums, he has collaborated with artists including Dave Brubeck, Regina Carter, and appeared on NPR's Piano Jazz. His 2024 album 'Muse and the Flame' features Edwin Livingston and Clarence Penn.

Research covers jazz improvisation techniques, harmonic development, and contrapuntal approaches, documented in his 2024 book 'Harmonic Development and Contrapointal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist' published by Taylor & Francis.

Awards include induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (2015) and recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Composers Forum, and Great American Jazz Piano Competition.

Educational credentials include a Master of Music degree from Georgia State University (2004). His creative portfolio spans multiple genres including chamber music and jazz arrangements.