معرفی
Vanessa Sielert is Professor of Saxophone at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, University of Idaho, where she has served since 2006. She was Director of the School from 2017 to 2023 and Associate Director for Recruitment from 2014 to 2017. She also serves as Education Advisor for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Previously, she taught at Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Pacific University, St. Martin's College, and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
- D.M.A., Saxophone Performance and Pedagogy, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (2005)
- M.Mus., Saxophone Performance, Baylor University (1998)
- B.Mus., Music Education: Instrumental, University of Idaho (1996)
- B.Mus., Saxophone Performance, University of Idaho (1996)
Her research and teaching focus on saxophone performance, tone quality in jazz and classical styles, improvisation, music pedagogy, and chamber music. She has studied with Robert Miller, Michael Jacobson, and Debra Richtmeyer, and is deeply committed to both performance and educational outreach.
The recent publications and performances reflect a strong emphasis on saxophone acoustics, tone quality, and new music. Her 2005 dissertation laid the foundation for empirical research in saxophone tone production, and her ongoing performance projects such as duality and the Free Range Saxophone Quartet highlight her dual expertise in classical and jazz idioms. Recordings and commissions underscore her dedication to expanding the saxophone repertoire.
Notable honors include being a medal winner at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition with the Millennium Saxophone Quartet. She is also a Selmer Performing Artist and Clinician, and her students have achieved recognition in national competitions and pursued advanced degrees across the country.
Vanessa has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music education, performance, and graduate study. She has led major initiatives in student ensemble development, including the founding of the Free Range Saxophone Quartet and the Palouse Jazz Project. Her administrative leadership guided the school through significant building renovations and the establishment of the Grammy Museum University Affiliate program.
She leads the saxophone studio at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, which meets weekly for fundamentals and performance classes. The studio supports student travel to conferences like the North American Saxophone Alliance through the student-run Saxophone Club, which organizes workshops and fundraising events.
