Volker Winck

Prof. Volker Winck is a full-time Professor of Saxophone and Subject Didactics at the Institute of Music (IfM) at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. He holds a 1.0 grade artistic completion from Folkwang University of the Arts Essen under Prof. Hugo Read, and further studies at Hamburg and Münster music academies. A renowned jazz soloist, he has performed internationally with ensembles like the Millennium Jazz Orchestra and has won major awards including the Concurso Internacional De Interpretes De Jazz (Spain, 2004). His research and teaching focus on saxophone performance, jazz improvisation, and contemporary music pedagogy.

Education:

• Folkwang University of the Arts Essen (1992, Saxophone with 1.0)
• Hamburg and Münster Music Academies
• Masterclasses with David Liebman, Tony Lakatos, Jean-Marie Londeix

Research Interests: Explores the intersection of composition and improvisation in jazz performance. Specializes in pedagogical approaches to saxophone technique, contemporary jazz ensemble dynamics, and cross-cultural musical collaboration. His work emphasizes virtuosity blended with expressive storytelling through sound.

Awards:

• 1st Prize Concurso Internacional De Interpretes De Jazz (2004)
• Jazzpodium Niedersachsen Förderpreis (multiple years)
• Kulturpreis des Landes Niedersachsen (2000)

Grants & Leadership: Directed the jazz program at IfM (2000–2009). Studio musician for NDR, WDR, ZDF, and others across 250+ productions. Active in educational workshops including Jazzcomponium and Szeged Music Academy guest lectures.

Labs/Teams: Leads saxophone pedagogy initiatives and collaborates with regional jazz orchestras like the Jazzorchester Niedersachsen. Founded ensembles such as the Volker Winck Quartet and Five, which blend experimental and traditional jazz forms.