
J.Richard
Dunscomb
conductor author adjudicator clinician consultant
Photo by Paolo Iammarrone Photographer
BIOGRAPHY

Conductor
Author
Adjudicator
Clinician
Consultant


Dick Dunscomb is one of the leading authorities in the field of jazz music and music education.
He has been recognized nationally and internationally as a guest conductor, author, adjudicator,
clinician and consultant. Through his work with IAJE, Warner Bros. Music, Alfred/Belwin Music and
other agencies he has presented more than 200 workshops including conducting and jazz clinics
throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Europe, Canada, Sweden, Japan and South America.
Throughout his career, Professor Dunscomb has been recognized with numerous honors and awards.
The International Association of Jazz Educators elected Dunscomb to its Hall of Fame.
The Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra clinic, awarded Dunscomb the prestigious
Medal of Honor. He also received numerous awards for his outstanding conducting, teaching and
service from several universities.
He was the North American Coordinator for the Montreux (Switzerland) International Jazz Festival
for 18 years and has served as Executive Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.
His most recent publications include, with Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. "Jazz Pedagogy": The Jazz Educator’s Handbook
and Resource Guide, a publication designed to provide a foundation and structure to plan and implement a
successful jazz program, "Jazz Zone"…the beginning, a jazz method, and "Jazz Zone Together" an innovative
online series of interviews with leading jazz icons.
Currently Professor Emeritus, Dunscomb was the former Chair of the Music Department at Columbia College
Chicago, the nations premiere visual, and performing, media and communications arts’ college
located in Chicago, Illinois. He is Vice President of the board of directors for the Midwest Clinic,
the largest annual event for instrumental music in Chicago, Illinois with more than 17,000 participants.
He is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer.
ENDORSEMENTS
Dick and Michele spent two days in Gainesville to provide a clinic for one of our local high school jazz ensembles and to give a presentation to our undergraduate Instrumental Methods class at the University of Florida. The quality of their insights, information, and advice was spot on in both contexts. They were able to quickly and precisely identify strengths and areas for improvement in articulation, time, ensemble sound, improvisations, and stylistic interpretation and to provide practical suggestions for improvement. The information they provided got right to the heart of the most important considerations in teaching jazz style and improvisation and was inspiring for our students. Dick and Michele are consummate professionals and remarkably generous in sharing their time, expertise, and resources. Having them with us provided a great experience for all involved.
Barry Hartz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education
University of Florida
Mr. Dunscomb,
We cannot thank you and Michele enough for your time and teaching! The students and I had an absolute blast! We will be talking about that evening for years to come!
The clinic with Dick Dunscomb and Michele Fernandez was an invaluable experience. The students enjoyed every minute and experienced tremendous growth in such a short amount of time. These educators are unparalleled in their expertise, an absolute treat for growing musicians!
Noah Graben
Director of Bands
F.W. Buchholz High School (FL)
Like my page at Facebook.com/richarddunscomb

VIDEO
Coon-Selmer Institute Backstage
Richard Dunscomb and Tim Lautzenheiser
"Love For Sale"
Big Band del Conservatorio "Luisa D'Annunzio" di Pescara
Richard Dunscomb conductor
Manuel Trabucco - Luca Ricordi - Giovanni Di Benedetto - Mattia Feliciani -
Italo D'Amato - Gianni Ferreri - Jorge Ro - Ranalli - Silvio Di Paolo - Alessandro
Di Bonaventura - Franco Celidonio - Roberto Castelli - Cristiano Sanguedolce -
Lorenzo Marinozzi - Angelo Trabucco - Fabio D'Onofrio - Paolo Catone -
Michelangelo Brandimarte - Raniero Silvetti - Morgan Fascioli - Luca Di Battista
Fanfare of the Common Man
Performance from May 16, 2009 in Chicago at the opening ceremony of the Modern Wing of the Art Institute Chicago,
featuring Symphonic Jazz International:
Richard Dunscomb (musical director)
and Thomas Gunther (musical arranger).
Dick Dunscomb, conductor
Columbia College Jazz Ensemble @ Jazz Showcase
Feat. Lorenzo Marinozzi, guitar - Gianni Ferreri, trumpet
Current JazzZone Together Video Episode
You will find the complete list of Video Interviews here:
WORKSHOPS
J. Richard Dunscomb is now available to present the following workshops.
The following descriptions notate some of the topics covered in each workshop.
Special workshops can designed for you and your ensemble.
Each session has a valuable set of handouts.
Creating, Designing and Maintaining a Successful Jazz Education Program -
Where Do I Start?
A workshop designed to provide a foundation and structure on which to build a successful jazz program.
Jazz Rehearsal Techniques: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why?
This session helps you to make the most of your rehearsal time.
Everything you need to know to use the time efficiently and productively.
Yes, You Can Teach Jazz!! Implementing the National Music Standards Through Jazz
A dynamic workshop that uses jazz and the National Music Standards to help build and maintain a
successful jazz program. Realistic approaches and practical solutions.
Jazz Rhythm Section Basics from Day One!
The foundation of a great jazz ensemble starts with the rhythm section. This workshop discusses the role
of each instrument individually and then collectively as a section.
Teaching the Jazz Concepts: Latin and Swing
An exciting session designed to present a conceptual approach to teaching the Latin & Swing styles.
Valuable teaching tips and techniques are presented.
Preparing for Important Performances: Making Your Group Stand Out from the Rest
A workshop designed for your jazz group to prepare them for contest/festival and
other important performances.
Teaching Jazz Improvisation - Yes, You Can Do It!
This workshop helps you and your students develop a jazz vocabulary and become fluent in the use of it.