Sean Parsons, Jazz, Piano
phone: 304-696-6459
office: Smith Music Hall 237
Education
D.M.A. in Music Performance in Jazz Studies, University of Illinois, 2006
M.M. in Music Performance in Jazz Studies, DePaul University, 2003
B.F.A. in Music Composition, Illinois Wesleyan University, 2001
Performance/Creative
Originally from Illinois, Sean joined Marshall University in 2006. He is regionally and nationally sought after as a pianist, educator and composer/arranger. While jazz is his primary focus, Sean is also active in composing non-jazz music.
He has performed with many reknowned musicians including Clark Terry, James Moody, Jon Faddis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Randy Brecker, and Steve Turre.
At Marshall
Sean is one of several jazz faculty at Marshall and teaches many of the classes in jazz studies, including Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Jazz Improvisation I-IV, Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz History, Jazz Class Piano and Studio lessons. Sean also performs with Bluetrane, Marshall’s faculty jazz sextet.
Teaching Philosophy
When a student comes to Marshall, I believe it to be my job to present them with the information and tools necessary to have a fulfilling career as a musician in today’s music scene. It is imperative to have an honest and open assesment of a student’s abilities to best encourage their strengths while continually developing other aspects of their musicianship. I have been blessed with many fine teachers and mentors throughout my musical journey and it is my desire to work with young musicians as a mentor to help them realize their potential as an artist.