Darek Oles

Darek Oles is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), specializing in Jazz Studies with a focus on bass performance and jazz combo instruction. Originally from Poland, he began his career collaborating with prominent saxophonists before relocating to Los Angeles in 1988 on a scholarship to the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). After graduating in 1992, he joined CalArts as faculty and has since become a highly sought-after bassist on the West Coast.

His research and performance interests center on contemporary jazz methodologies, improvisation techniques, and ensemble dynamics in jazz combos. Oles maintains an active performance schedule, working with jazz luminaries such as Charles Lloyd, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, and Arturo Sandoval across studios, concerts, and clubs.