Adam Benjamin

Adam Benjamin is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies and Piano at the University of Nevada, Reno's School of Music (College of Liberal Arts). A Grammy-nominated artist, he is celebrated for his boundary-pushing work in jazz improvisation and avant-garde compositions. He co-founded Kneebody, an electric jazz quintet praised for albums like The Line (2013) and 12 Songs of Charles Ives (2009, Grammy-nominated). His solo projects include Alphabets and Consequences (2010) and Go Shlomo! (2013), blending monastic and Sephardic influences. Benjamin has collaborated with artists such as Dave Douglas, Beck, and So Percussion, and contributed to film scores like John Krasinski's Brief Interviews With Hideous Men.

Benjamin's academic roles include teaching at Stanford University, Banff International Jazz Workshop, and Tulane University (appointed 2013 as Professor of the Practice in Jazz Studies). His performances span global venues like Carnegie Hall and North Sea Jazz Festival. His work bridges traditional jazz with experimental techniques, humor, and cross-genre innovation.

• Awards: DownBeat 'Rising Star in Jazz' (6-year recognition), Grammy Nomination
• Key Projects: Kneebody, Red Oak Duo, Go Shlomo!, collaborations with Dave Douglas' Keystone
• Labs/Teams: Kneebody (founder), Red Oak Duo, Go Shlomo! ensemble