Antonio Hart

Antonio Hart has long been recognized as one of the most talented instrumentalist of his generation. In recent years he has also been recognized as an important Jazz educator. In his 20 years as a professional musician he has performed and recorded with many jazz greats, from Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove, Nancy Wilson, Nat Adderley, and McCoy Tyner to Dave Holland.

Hart's study of Jazz began at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he studied with Bill Pierce, Andy McGhee, and Joe Viola. The three teachers gave him the foundation he needed to develop into a professional musician. Because of the lessons learned at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Hart really thought it was important to have a balance between music and academia, so in his sophomore year he became a Music Education Major.

He made many friends at Berklee, but the most important was Roy Hargrove. They spent three years touring the world and recording Hargrove's first three records. Hart considers Hargrove to be his brother in life and music. He even used Hargrove on his first recording 'For the First Time.'

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Hart also worked on a Masters Degree at Queens College. There he had the opportunity to learn from the great Jimmy Heath and Donald Byrd. Hart felt blessed and honored when Mr. Heath produced his second recording 'Don't You Know I Care.'

His 1997 release, 'Here I Stand' Impulse records, earned Hart a 1997 Grammy nomination for 'Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.' He has also been in much demand as a guest on over 100 recordings, and seven CDs as a leader. The latest, 'All we Need' Chiaroscuro Records.

After 12 years at Queens College Hart was promoted to Full Professor. Hart also maintains an extensive performance schedule and continues to conduct workshops and clinics throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He feels very blessed to have the balance of teaching, as well as, traveling around the world. In his off time, he practices martial arts, and listens to other styles of music for inspiration.

Hart is constantly trying to honor his many teachers by continuing to study music and teach to the best of his ability.

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Jazz Music from Rodney Whitaker & Antonio Hart

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The MSU College of Music is launching its new jazz studies artist in residence program this month thanks to a $1 million gift from MSU Federal Credit Union, the largest-ever investment in the college's curriculum.

October 14-19, saxophonist Antonio Hart, the first jazz artist of three scheduled for residencies this academic year, will take his place in the classroom and on the stage. Hart is an internationally acclaimed performer, prolific composer, and a renowned educator.

Hart will be teaching College of Music students and performing for the public while he is in residence. He will also work with high school and middle school jazz students in Lansing and in two West Michigan schools. Jazz Orchestra I, the college's premier student jazz ensemble, will tour with Hart around the state.

Trumpeter Jon Faddis and drummer Jeff Hamilton are the other international jazz artists slated to hold residencies at MSU in December and April, respectively.

"It is so exciting and satisfying to get this program started," said Rodney Whitaker, director of jazz studies. "Living in the center of the Midwest doesn't allow students easy access to the musicians influencing the world of jazz right now. So this way, with the support of MSU Federal Credit Union, we bring the jazz greats like Antonio Hart to the heart of Michigan. It is a win-win for our students and for our community."

"MSUFCU's generous gift will further strengthen one of America's great jazz programs," said James Forger, dean of the MSU College of Music, "and will provide unforgettable musical and educational experiences not only for our students, but also for thousands of people across Michigan."

Founded in 2001, the Jazz Studies Program leads the college's outreach efforts, teaching and mentoring youth at Community Music School-Detroit. MSU Professors of Jazz, a faculty performance group, has strong ties to Detroit and will work with the musicians to inspire cultural prosperity in urban areas.
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