Ron Bridgewater

Ron Bridgewater is an Associate Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of Illinois. He has an extensive career in jazz performance, having toured internationally with renowned ensembles like the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and collaborated with legends such as Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, and Horace Silver. He co-led the Bridgewater Brothers with his brother Cecil, releasing two albums. In New York, he taught at the Billy Taylor’s Jazzmobile Workshop and performed at venues like Sweet Basil Club and The Jazz Bakery.

At the University of Illinois, he teaches Jazz Saxophone, Jazz Styles, small ensembles, and improvisation. He co-founded the Banks, Bridgewater, Lewis Fine Arts Academy, an after-school music program for middle and high school students offering weekly rehearsals and summer camps. Bridgewater has also contributed to Broadway musicals as assistant musical director and received recognition for his service to jazz education.