Yoko Suzuki

Yoko Suzuki is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in jazz studies, ethnomusicology, and gender/sexuality in music. Her research examines intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in jazz through feminist frameworks, while performance work highlights underrepresented musicians like Geri Allen and Alice Coltrane.

Research and creative interests include:

• Feminist analysis of jazz performance practices
• Japanese popular music and DJ culture
• Black church musical traditions
• Curating performances of underrepresented composers

Recent publications analyze gender dynamics in instrumental performance and Geri Allen's compositional processes. Her creative work has been supported by Heinz Endowment grants for concert series at Alphabet City.

She maintains an active performance career with Roger Humphries' ensemble and leads her own jazz group. Courses taught include History of Jazz, Jazz Improvisation, and Gender/Sexuality in Black Popular Music.