Guest Artists

In Session with the Masters

At SDSU, the jazz classroom extends far beyond campus walls. Through our acclaimed Guest Artist Series, students learn directly from some of the most influential voices in jazz today. Each year, SDSU hosts an impressive roster of internationally recognized performers and educators—artists such as Jerry Bergonzi, Gerald Clayton, Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, Charles McPherson, Aaron Goldberg, Ignacio Berroa, John Clayton, Cecil Alexander, Chris Potter, and many others. But this isn’t a “watch and listen” experience—it’s fully interactive. Students play side-by-side with these masters in jam sessions, masterclasses, and small-group performances, gaining mentorship and real-world experience that can launch careers. At SDSU, guest artists don’t just visit—they become part of the community, inspiring and shaping the next generation of jazz innovators.