معرفی
Dr. Montgomery Cole serves as Professor of Music and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Mercer University's School of Music, where he has taught clarinet and saxophone and directed Jazz Studies since joining the faculty in Fall 2002.
His educational background includes:
- Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance from the University of Cincinnati (1998)
- Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of Kentucky (1986)
- Bachelor of Arts in Music from Humboldt State University (1984)
Dr. Cole's research centers on jazz studies, particularly evidenced by his doctoral thesis on Rahsaan Roland Kirk, alongside dual expertise in classical and jazz performance. His creative practice integrates composition, improvisation, and cross-genre performance traditions, reflecting deep engagement with both historical and contemporary musical idioms.
His recorded works demonstrate artistic range across genres: the 2008 clarinet album 'View from a five-gallon aquarium' explores contemporary chamber music, while the 2007 jazz release 'Mile to the East' features original compositions highlighting small-ensemble improvisation and modern jazz structures.
Scientific Awards: None documented in source material.
As Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Cole mentors students in performance practice and has collaborated with major orchestras including the Richmond Symphony and Lexington Philharmonic, alongside jazz legends such as Joe Henderson and Guy Lombardo's Big Band. His performance credits extend to national television appearances with artists like Josh Groban and Barry Manilow.
He maintains active performance leadership through Mercer's Jazz Studies program, balancing administrative duties as Instrumental Studies Chair with extensive touring as both classical clarinetist and jazz saxophonist across North America.
