Guest Artists

Jazz Studies Program Overview

Jazz Faculty

Why Jazz at SDSU

Guest-Artist Visits and Concerts

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.

November 18, 2025

Jazz Jam and Workshop with Renowned Pianist Aaron Goldberg

Renowned pianist Aaron Goldberg will be performing and leading a jazz jam and workshop on November 18th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Smith Recital Hall located in the SDSU music building. Aaron will be joined by various SDSU student combos where they will perform and recieve critical feedback in real time. The jam and workshop is open to the public and free of charge. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join and participate! Amps/PA/Drums provided.

November 19, 2025

Renowned Jazz Pianist Aaron Goldberg with SDSU JAZZ

Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz as renowned pianist Aaron Goldber takes the stage at SDSU's Smith Recital Hall. Goldberg will perform alongside SDSU's Jazz ensembles and faculty led band with Dr. Brian Levy, Gilbert Castellanos, Luca Alemanno, and Tyler Kruetel.

October 23, 2025

Critically Acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Jane Monheit with SDSU JAZZ

World-renowned vocalist Jane Monheit graced the stage at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall, performing alongside the university’s Jazz Ensembles and Big Band. Celebrated for her rich interpretations of the Great American Songbook and an illustrious career spanning two decades, Monheit brought her signature artistry and warmth to an unforgettable evening of jazz.

October 22, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Vocalist Jane Monheit

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit led a dynamic jazz jam session at Smith Recital Hall, joined by Max Haymer, Rick Montalbano, and Reese Willis. Open to the public, the event brought together musicians of all ages for an inspiring night of collaboration and community.

September 17, 2025

Legendary Jazz Drummer Ignacio Berroa with The Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Sextet

Legendary drummer Ignacio Berroa took the stage at SDSU’s Main Stage, performing with the Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Sextet for an unforgettable night of Latin jazz mastery. Hailed by Dizzy Gillespie as “the only Latin drummer who intimately knows both worlds—Afro-Cuban music and jazz,” Berroa’s performance showcased the depth, groove, and brilliance that have made him one of the most respected drummers of our time.

Jazz Jam Session with Drums Ignacio Berroa

Septemher 16, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Drummer Ignacio Berroa

Legendary drummer Ignacio Berroa led an inspiring jazz jam session at Smith Recital Hall, joined by Tommy Aros, Irving Flores, Julian Esparza, and SDSU’s own Brian Levy. Open to the public and free of charge, the event welcomed musicians of all ages and skill levels for an evening of collaboration, creativity, and world-class rhythm.

April 14, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Drummer Joe Farnsworth

Legendary jazz drummer Joe Farnsworth led an energetic jazz jam session in Room M114 of the SDSU Music Building, performing alongside talented SDSU Jazz Studies students. Open to the public and free of charge, the event welcomed musicians of all ages and skill levels for an afternoon of creativity, collaboration, and world-class swing.

April 9, 2025

Legendary Jazz Guitarist Pete Bernstein with SDSU’s Jazz Faculty and Students

World-renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein delivered an unforgettable evening of jazz at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall, performing alongside faculty artists Brian Levy, Gilbert Castellanos, and Anthony Smith. The concert also featured Bernstein’s collaboration with SDSU’s student jazz ensemble (directed by Karl Soukup) and jazz combos, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience rising stars sharing the stage with a true jazz legend. Known for his collaborations with jazz greats including Lou Donaldson, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, and Sonny Rollins, Bernstein brought his signature warmth, swing, and artistry to a night that celebrated the heart and future of jazz.

April 9, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Guitarist Peter Bernstein

Legendary jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein led an inspiring jazz jam session at Smith Recital Hall, joined by SDSU Jazz Studies students William Brumbach, Andre Oliveira, Ezri Martinez, Luke Little, and Paul Rosette. Open to the public and free of charge, the event welcomed musicians of all ages and skill levels for an afternoon of creativity, collaboration, and world-class musicianship.

March 27, 2025

Legendary Jazz Bassist and Composer John Clayton with SDSU Jazz

Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and arranger John Clayton took the stage at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall, performing alongside the SDSU Jazz Studies combos and big bands. Audiences experienced an unforgettable evening with one of the most influential figures in modern jazz. A true master of his craft, Clayton has collaborated with icons such as Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Yo-Yo Ma, and McCoy Tyner, and his artistry continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world.

March 26, 2025

Jazz Jam Session: John Clayton

Grammy-winning bassist John Clayton led a spirited jazz jam session in the Aztec Student Union Courtyard, joined by SDSU Jazz Studies students Emily Broughton, Ed Spillane, Jack Holden, and Noah Villanueva. Open to the public and free of charge, the event brought together musicians of all ages and skill levels for an afternoon of collaboration, inspiration, and world-class jazz.