Welcome to the UT Jazz Saxophone Studio!
The Jazz Saxophone Studio at the University of Tennessee offers a dynamic, artist-focused environment where students develop their individual voice through focused study, immersive performance, and mentorship from world-class faculty. Students gain a deep understanding of jazz tradition while building the skills needed to thrive as versatile, creative, and professional musicians.
Academics
Saxophone students at UT can pursue a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree options, including Performance, Music Education, and the Bachelor of Arts in Music concentrations. All students receive weekly private instruction and participate in chamber music, studio ensemble, and large ensembles. A strong focus is placed on saxophone pedagogy and developing a diverse repertoire, from classical solo literature to contemporary works. Students leave the program well-prepared for careers in performance, teaching, or continued graduate study.
Meet Professor Greg Tardy
Professor of Music in Jazz Saxophone Gregory Tardy is one of the most versatile jazz musicians of his generation, equally comfortable in a variety of musical and improvisational situations. Born into a musical family, he began his musical career studying classical clarinet with Russell Dagon and Jack Snavely. In his early 20s, while preparing for a symphony career he discovered jazz saxophone and hasn’t looked back.
His performance schedule has taken him all over the world, playing at all of the major jazz festivals and on some of the biggest stages in jazz. As a sideman, he has been featured on several Downbeat Albums of the Year and also several Grammy nominated recordings.
Private Lessons
Each jazz saxophone major receives a weekly one-hour lesson with Professor Gregory Tardy, tailored to meet the student’s current level and guide their development in fundamental, technical, and improvisational skills.
Fundamental training includes tone development, personal sound, saxophone technique, sight-reading, and basic instrument maintenance to support consistent performance. Jazz saxophonists also regularly study flute and clarinet as part of their training, gaining valuable doubling experience that enhances professional versatility.
Technical work focuses on scale studies, jazz harmony application, improvisational tools, rhythmic studies, and stylistic interpretation. A significant emphasis is placed on improvisation, approached through theoretical study and transcription. Transcription is a powerful tool for developing the ear, internalizing jazz vocabulary, understanding stylistic nuance, and studying the lineage of great jazz saxophonists. It also cultivates analytical thinking and deepens musical understanding—laying the groundwork for further creative exploration.
Repertoire
In addition to exploring the Great American Songbook, all jazz majors study compositions by the great jazz masters of yesterday and today
Solo Class
Once a week, the Jazz Saxophone Studio meets together for Solo Class. This class provided an opportunity for group study covering subjects such as sight-reading, repertoire and saxophone maintenance.
Performance Opportunities
Jazz saxophone students at UT thrive in a rich performance culture that blends academic ensemble work with real-world gigging experience. All majors participate in small group jazz combos, where they explore improvisation, collaboration, and repertoire in an intimate setting. Students also have the chance to audition for premier large ensembles, including the Jazz Big Band and the Jazz Studio Orchestra, performing classic and contemporary works at concerts and events throughout the year.
In addition to ensemble performances, students present a junior half-recital and a senior full recital, showcasing their growth as improvisers, composers, and performers. Saxophonists often collaborate on fellow students’ recitals and chamber projects, expanding their performance experience even further.
Outside the classroom, many jazz students perform regularly at local venues and events around Knoxville, gaining valuable exposure, building their professional networks, and bringing their music to the broader community.
Interested in the UT Jazz Saxophone Studio?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with Professor Tardy, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.