Tyrone Jackson

Tyrone Jackson is a Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Kennesaw State University's School of Music, where he teaches Aural Skills III & IV, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Theory, History of the Blues, and Applied Jazz Piano. He coordinates the annual "Jazz Fest At The Nest" and serves as a clinician for the Rialto Arts Jazz program and Clayton County Arts Association.

His creative work centers on jazz performance and composition, blending traditional jazz with funk and afro-caribbean melodies rooted in his New Orleans heritage. Jackson has composed for theatrical productions including Natasha Tretheway's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Native Guard," Pearl Cleage's "Tell Me My Dream," and multiple Alliance Theater shows. As a performer, he has collaborated with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and Larry Carlton while touring internationally with the UNO Jazz Band and others.

His recent publications reveal a dual focus: music performance dominates with 14 of 15 entries being jazz concerts, recitals, and ensemble works, while one 2023 public health article indicates interdisciplinary outreach. The music outputs showcase his commitment to jazz education through student mentorship and faculty collaborations like the KSU Faculty Jazz Parliament.

His notable achievements include:

• JAZZ IZ Featured Artist designation
• Hot Shoe Records Recording Artist (2010)
• Music Director roles for Carmen Bradford and Alliance Theater productions

Jackson actively mentors students through recitals and ensembles while expanding community impact via the "Night and Day" Summer Jazz Program and partnerships with Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. His work bridges academic instruction, professional performance, and community arts engagement across Georgia's educational institutions.

As core faculty in KSU's jazz program, he leads the Faculty Jazz Parliament in tribute concerts to artists like Chick Corea and Art Blakey while developing new educational initiatives such as the "Jazz Fest At The Nest." His international performance background informs both classroom teaching and community outreach programs.