Jeremy Kurtz-Harris

Roles & Affiliations: Jeremy Kurtz-Harris is a Teaching Professor of Double Bass at San Diego State University's School of Music and Dance (since 2006), while also serving as Principal Bassist of the San Diego Symphony since 2004. He has held guest principal roles with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra. His career spans orchestral performance, soloist advocacy for the double bass, and educational outreach.

Education:

• Master of Music (MM), Shepherd School of Music, Rice University (Houston, TX)
• Bachelor of Music (BM), Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA)
• National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program

Research/Artistic Interests: Kurtz-Harris champions the double bass as a solo instrument, organizing consortium commissions for new works. Notable projects include a John Harbison concerto and pieces by Peter Askim and Andrés Martin. He emphasizes collaboration, serving on the International Society of Bassists (ISB) Board and fostering global bassist networks. His teaching focuses on early music education, with masterclasses in San Diego, Tijuana, and North America.

Awards:

• 1997 ISB Solo Competition Winner

Advising & Community: Active in the San Diego Symphony's Learning and Community Engagement Program, performing for students and libraries. Leads chamber music performances with Art of Elán and pianist Ines Irawati.

Organizations: Core member of ISB, advocating for young bassists and cross-genre collaboration.