Garth Alper

Dr. Garth Alper is a Professor and Program Coordinator for Jazz Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's School of Music and Performing Arts. He holds a Doctor of Arts in Music Theory/Composition from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Arts in Piano Performance (Jazz Track) from New York University, and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Jazz Studies from SUNY Empire State College. His research focuses on Jazz Piano, Jazz History, and Popular Music, with notable contributions to understanding improvisation techniques, postmodernism in music, and the cultural legacy of jazz icons like Duke Ellington.

Dr. Alper has authored numerous articles in journals such as College Music Symposium, Rock Music Studies, and Jazz Perspectives, and guest-edited a special jazz issue of Popular Music and Society. His music compositions are featured on multiple CDs, including the acclaimed Spider’s Web (2022) and Stratus (2017). He has received significant grants and awards, including the BORSF Endowed Professorship and funding for jazz pedagogy and recording projects.

• Education:
  • Doctor of Arts in Music Theory/Composition (University of Northern Colorado)
  • Master of Arts in Piano Performance (Jazz Track, New York University)
  • Bachelor of Professional Studies in Jazz Studies (SUNY Empire State College)
• Research Contributions: Includes analysis of jazz improvisation, postmodern music theory, and the sociocultural impact of jazz. He has authored encyclopedia entries on influential jazz musicians and contributed to critical discussions on popular music pedagogy.
• Teaching & Courses: Teaches Jazz Piano, Jazz Theory, Jazz History, Film Scoring, and directs the Jazz Combo program. Courses include MUS 312: Jazz Theory I and MUS 438: Film Scoring I.
• Grants & Recognition: Over $100K in grants for recording projects, multimedia facilities, and pedagogical initiatives. Holder of the Ruth Stodghill Girard BORSF Endowed Professorship since 2001.
• Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Jazz Studies program and collaborates on projects blending jazz with film scoring and modern media.