Two new tenure-track faculty members announced as Assistant Professors of Jazz Piano and African American Studies

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music announces the addition of two new tenure-track faculty members: Greg Satterthwaite and James Weidman will both be Assistant Professors of Jazz Piano and African American Studies. In conjunction with the Institute for African American Studies, these faculty members will teach piano and develop courses and experiences in non-classical music, African American music and performative traditions, among other styles. Their work will help develop and expand the curriculum in the School of Music, develop exciting new repertoire in the school, and support the school’s growing jazz and commercial music programs.

Pianist/composer/arranger James Weidman has proven to be one of the most versatile artists in music today and prepared him well for his steady emergence as an important bandleader. He’s had decades-long experience with many notable artists -- from his early days as accompanist to iconic vocalists Abbey Lincoln and Cassandra Wilson, on to his years as a member of M-Base Collective innovator Steve Coleman’s group and music director for the late great Kevin Mahogany, up to his current tenure with saxophonist Joe Lovano’s critically acclaimed nonet and Grammy nominated Us Five band. He also concurrently co-leads the James Weidman-Steve Williams Quartet performing the Music of Clifford Jordan. Weidman’s versatility is evidenced in the wide ranging music of the various ensembles that he currently leads, which explores his own cutting edge original compositions, a group in the tradition of Nat King Cole’s classic trio that swings jazz standards out of the Great American Songbook and an ensemble that features him doubling on piano and organ performing his own gospel arrangements out of the Black church.

"I am really excited about joining the faculty of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music and African-American Studies. I can’t wait to work with this group of exceptional faculty and students as we move forward in promoting a vibrant, stimulating and solid educational environment,” said Weidman.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, jazz pianist Dr. Greg Satterthwaite earned his DMA from the University of North Texas in Jazz Piano Performance, a Master of Arts in Commercial Music from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami. Dr. Satterthwaite has taught at Southeastern University as an Assistant Professor of Music. As a scholarly contribution to the field of music, he presented “Beyond Fourths and Pentatonics: A Critical Analysis of Selected Recordings of McCoy Tyner 1962 to 1963” at the 2021 Jazz Education Network Conference. Dr. Satterthwaite will be performing a concert at the upcoming 2021 Swan City Piano Festival in Lakeland, Florida, and recently recorded with jazz bassist, Rodney Whitaker. He enjoys the collaborative process, and is always excited for the opportunity to create, perform, and record new music.

“I am very excited to join the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia as a faculty member and look forward to collaborating with the incredibly accomplished faculty and talented students,” said Dr. Satterthwaite.

The Institute for African American Studies offers students a degree that focuses on the history of the African American people, their impact on American culture, as well as their modern experience in today’s world. It explores African American literature that dates back to the late 1700’s, as well as their influence in theater and art. It explores race and ethnicity in America, as well as cultural diversity and how it varies across groups. The Institute provides students with the opportunity to participate in exciting lectures and discussions led by faculty members that are engaged in promoting the study of people of African descent and their experiences throughout history.

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music is among the leading schools of music in the region and nationally. It includes comprehensive programs, with degrees at the undergraduate level through the masters and doctorate. A celebrated faculty, outstanding facilities, and talented students build a supportive and rich environment for artistic and scholarly growth. Graduates from its programs have been internationally successful in their chosen fields.