Jamie Poulsen

Jamie Poulsen is an Assistant Professor of Music at Simpson College, specializing in Classical and Jazz Piano, and a composer. He has been a full-time faculty member since 2003, following part-time roles from 1992–2003. He teaches Music Theory, Aural Skills, Applied Piano, Jazz Piano, and Discovering Music. Poulsen actively performs over 100 jazz gigs annually with ensembles like the Nola Jazz Band and has participated in major festivals such as Bix Lives and the Glenn Miller Festival.

Education: B.A. in Music (Piano Performance) from Buena Vista University (1984), M.M. in Piano Performance from University of South Dakota (1985), and 3 years of Doctoral Studies in Music at the University of Iowa (1985–1988).

Research interests span performance pedagogy, jazz improvisation, and orchestral composition. He has composed over 16 art songs, 3 major orchestral works (commissioned by the Des Moines Symphony), and 2 choral works. His orchestral works are slated for recording in London during 2025.

Awards highlight his achievements in advertising music (21 Addys, 11 Tellys) and composition (1st Prize at PMMO Contest, ASCAPlus awards). His career includes 8 years as a staff composer for SR Audio Productions, producing music for companies like Disney and Hy-Vee.

Teaching and mentorship: Advised over 200 student recitals, emphasizing collaborative performance. Active in both classical and jazz education, integrating performance with composition.