
Dean Sorenson
2106 4th St S
Minneapolis,
MN
55455
Associate Professor: Jazz Studies
Dean Sorenson is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota as well as a prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger, trombonist, educator, and clinician.
Dean’s latest recording project is COLORS OF THE SOUL, an album of original music for sextet. His most recent publications include THE TOTAL JAZZ THEORY WORKBOOK, EXCELLENCE IN JAZZ PEDAGOGY, and FIRST PLACE FOR JAZZ, a new and innovative method for beginning jazz players. He is the co-author of the STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE JAZZ ENSEMBLE METHOD and ADVANCED JAZZ ENSEMBLE METHOD, an innovative and comprehensive series for middle school and high school jazz ensembles. He is also the author of JAZZ COMBO SESSION and FIRST JAZZ PERFORMANCE, also under the Standard of Excellence banner. He has composed numerous pieces for concert band and jazz ensemble published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company. He is also a contributing author to TEACHING MUSIC THROUGH PERFORMANCE IN JAZZ , edited by Richard Miles and published by GIA. As an advocate of jazz education and the expansion of the repertoire, he continues to develop creative materials and methods to help students and teachers better understand the art form. An outstanding clinician, conductor, and soloist, he is frequently featured at festivals and conventions around the country and abroad. He also maintains a full schedule of concert and recording dates as a Yamaha performing artist.
Mr. Sorenson has composed and arranged for numerous ensembles including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Band, the United States Navy Band, and the Minnesota Orchestra. He is active as a commissioned composer and arranger for jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, concert band, and chamber ensembles, and has also written several sacred choral pieces. For more information, please visit www.deansorensonmusic.com.
Educational Background
- B.M.: Trombone Performance, University of Minnesota, 1986
- M.M.: Jazz and Contemporary Media, Eastman School of Music, 1992
Specialties
- Jazz
- Music composition
- Trombone