Jerome Jennings

Jerome Jennings is a Professor of Graduate Jazz History at Montclair State University since 2022. A renowned drummer, activist, and Emmy Award-winning composer, he holds a Master of Music from The Juilliard School (2007) and completed Jazz at Lincoln Center's Swing University 301 (2014). His work bridges jazz performance, activism, and education, with notable projects like the Juilliard Jazz Community Project and co-curated panels on Jazz in The Era of Black Lives Matter. Jennings has lectured globally at institutions including the University of Ghana and Sydney Conservatory of Music.

His research interests emphasize jazz history, social justice in music, and community outreach. Awards include an Emmy and critical acclaim for his albums The Beast and Solidarity. He actively participates in panels discussing jazz's role in societal movements and has designed courses for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University.

Jennings has performed with legends like Sonny Rollins and Wynton Marsalis, and continues educational outreach nationally and internationally. His teaching focuses on linking jazz heritage to contemporary social discourse.