Jeffrey Heisler

Jeffrey Heisler serves as Associate Professor of Saxophone at Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance in Rochester, Michigan. He is the soprano chair of the Assembly Quartet and maintains an active career as a performer, pedagogue, and advocate for contemporary music.

Dr. Heisler earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from Bowling Green State University's contemporary music program in 2010, becoming the first DMA graduate from that program. He also holds a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from BGSU and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University.

Heisler's research and performance interests focus on contemporary classical music, particularly new repertoire development for the saxophone. His work emphasizes extended techniques, minimalist music, and innovative transcriptions of existing works for saxophone. As an advocate for contemporary music, he has commissioned and premiered works by numerous prominent composers including Louis Andriessen, Jennifer Higdon, David Lang, Steve Reich, Chen Yi, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

His recorded output reveals a strong focus on contemporary classical music, with particular attention to expanding the saxophone repertoire through premieres, transcriptions, and collaborations with living composers. His recordings demonstrate technical mastery across diverse contemporary styles, from minimalist works to complex electroacoustic compositions.

• 2005 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition 1st prize gold medal with Blue Square Saxophone Quartet
• Grammy Award nominations for 'Gradient' and 'in search of stillness'
• Downbeat Magazine's 2002 Outstanding Collegiate Classical Instrumentalist
• Multiple MTNA competition awards (2002, 2005)

Heisler maintains an active performance schedule with numerous orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theatre. He has presented masterclasses internationally at institutions including Guizhou University in China and various universities in Taiwan. He is a Selmer and Legere Performing Artist-Clinician who performs exclusively on Selmer Paris Saxophones and Legere Signature Series Reeds.