Reed H. Gratz

Reed H. Gratz is a Professor of Music at the University of La Verne, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Music. He has held teaching positions at Washington State University, University of Miami, University of Innsbruck, Utrecht Conservatory, Leiden University, and Claremont McKenna College. His expertise spans jazz composition, African American music, and music education.

Gratz holds a B.A. in Music Theory from Manchester University, an M.M. in Jazz Composition from the New England Conservatory, and a D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Miami School of Music. He has composed music for theater, released seven albums, and authored textbooks such as Music History and Appreciation and Music Bridges.

His research interests include jazz composition, cross-cultural music studies, and pedagogical innovation. Notable works include Tempodulu Music (jazz compositions), Approaching Simone (play soundtrack), and Music Bridges (e-book on music history).

• Awards:
  • National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Composition Grant (1984)
  • National Endowment for the Humanities Grant (1982)
  • Fulbright Senior Scholarships (Innsbruck and Leiden University)
  • Grammy Nomination for Educators (2014, 2016)

Gratz has collaborated with renowned artists like George Russell, Herb Alpert, and Bruce Hornsby, and served on the Advisory Board of the American Jazz Institute. His work bridges music history, performance, and education, reflected in his grants, publications, and global teaching engagements.