معرفی
Ryan Matzinger serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Jazz at Montana State University's School of Music within the College of Arts and Architecture, teaching jazz performance, American popular music, and interdisciplinary cultural studies courses that bridge music with sociological frameworks.
His educational credentials include a B.A. in Music (2012) and M.A. in American Studies (2019), both from Montana State University, following studies at The Hartt School under Jackie McLean and Duke University under Sonny Rollins.
Matzinger's research investigates jazz as a cultural mirror of America, analyzing historical trajectories from Coon Songs to Bebop through the lens of Black American experience, urbanization, and resilience. He develops curricula connecting jazz pedagogy to 21st-century musical realities while completing a Routledge book on jazz's academic significance.
His sole documented scholarly publication (2017) examines American popular music within economic and cultural contexts of the middle class, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with class, race, and identity.
Honors include a Grammy Award for Ike Turner's 'Risin' With The Blues' (2007), 'New Jazz Artist of The Year' (2006), and 'Jazz Artist of The Year' (2004), alongside a 2006 Best Album nomination.
As an educator, he directs the One O'Clock Jazz Band and teaches courses from jazz theory to American popular music, mentoring students through global festival performances including Stanford Jazz Workshop and National Conference for Undergraduate Research.
Professionally, he performs internationally as 'Ryan Montana' with 'The Tiny Band' and remains active in Ike Turner's historic Kings of Rhythm ensemble.
