Darek Oles

Darek Oles is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at the University of California, Irvine, where he has taught since 2002. A renowned acoustic bassist, he began his music education at the State Music School in Wroclaw, Poland, and later joined the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) on scholarship, studying under Charlie Haden. Oles has collaborated with jazz legends including Pat Metheny, Charles Lloyd, and Brad Mehldau, recorded approximately 100 albums, and earned global acclaim, including Grammy nominations for several recordings.

His research and performance interests focus on jazz improvisation, ensemble dynamics, and acoustic bass techniques. Notably, he released the critically acclaimed album Like A Dream in 2004, featuring Brad Mehldau and Bennie Maupin.

Scientific Awards:

• Grammy Award Nomination (for recordings)
• Fryderyk Award Nomination (Jazz Musician Of The Year, 2003)

As an educator, Oles has taught jazz ensembles and bass at CalArts since 1992 and UC Irvine since 2002, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians.