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Jazz Studies Faculty 


CooperJack Cooper 
Director of Jazz Studies 
Area Coordinator 
jcooper1@memphis.edu


alvieAlvie Givhan 
Jazz Piano
agivhan@memphis.edu



samSam Shoup 
Popular Music & Jazz 
srshoup@memphis.edu



ShultsMichael Shults 
Saxophone 
mashults@memphis.edu




Recent Research & Creative Activity


2021

  • Jack Cooper was the arranger and producer in collaboration with Jiggs Whigham, the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, and March Secara for the album “Songs of Berlin” with GAM Music. This album was released in October 2021 which presents all hues of contemporary Big Bang Sound.
  • Michael Shults is the lead tenor saxophonist with Memphis Jazz Orchestra in their thirty year-long standing residency at Alfred's on Beale. 
  • Michael Shults is the competition committee chair for the North American Saxophone Alliance Collegiate Jazz Competition. 

2020

  • Jack Cooper received the Pearl Wales Professor of Music.This professorship provides recognition to faculty that have presented outstanding teaching, research and service to the profession and achieved a high level of national and international recognition.
  • Jack Cooper received the University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts Dean’s Creative Achievement Award.

2019

  • Jack Cooper recorded two new works that were commissioned by Bernie Dresel’s BBB Big Band. It premiered at Vibrato in Los Angeles.