INFORMATION FOR
Major: Jazz Studies and Performance
Current Title: Director of Jazz Studies, Harvard-Westlake School
Throughout his career as an educator, Chris Sullivan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in both jazz education and performance. In his current role as director of jazz studies at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, he oversees all aspects of the jazz program, which serves 70 students across two big bands, nine combos, an intermediate jazz rhythm section course, and a jazz horn section course. He has implemented a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for collegiate jazz studies. Chris created the school’s monthly Jazz Lunch Concert series, which brings world-class jazz musicians to perform for and collaborate with students. Additionally, he plans and leads both domestic and international student performance tours every year, providing students with invaluable opportunities to perform and engage with jazz communities worldwide. His students have earned national recognition, including DownBeat awards for “Best Small Jazz Combo” and the "Best Rhythm Section" award at the UNLV Essentially Ellington Regional Festival. Previously, Chris served as chair of the Musicianship Department at the California Jazz Conservatory and as professor of saxophone at both the Los Angeles College of Music and Glendale Community College. He remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians while maintaining an active career as a performer.
Proudest Professional Accomplishment: “I am proud to have played saxophone on Michael Bublé’s three most recent albums: Love (2018), Higher (2022, winner of the 2022 Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album), and The Best of Bublé (2024).”
WP Pride: "I learned what it means to be a professional musician during my time at William Paterson. The guidance I received, starting with Dr. David Demsey and continuing with teachers such as Rich Perry, Vincent Herring, and Bill Charlap—three of my lifelong heroes—helped me carve a path for myself as an artist, educator, and program director.”
