My Story

I am a music educator, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and community event organizer who has been fortunate enough to call Western NC my home for 2 decades. As a native of East Tennessee, the mountains of Southern Appalachia have always felt like home. Music – and the arts and humanities in general – provide an avenue towards gaining a more open and empathetic understanding of the world in which we live. I am deeply grateful to be able to continue my growth as an educator, artist and human being through my work with students, faculty and staff at Warren Wilson College and in the Western NC community.

Teaching music at Warren Wilson College is a dream come true. The school's commitment to experiential learning, environmental and social justice, and focus on the development of both knowledge and skills in a triad of academics, service, and work creates a wonderfully unique culture I have not seen in other institutions of higher learning. It is an enormous privilege to be able to work with driven students who recognize their learning not just in the context of their academic studies, but as part of a lifelong journey towards becoming a well-rounded person and caring citizen of the world.

Jason DeCristofaro

Education

  • DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts), Boston University
  • MM (Master in Music Performance), UNC-School of the Arts
  • MLAS (Master of Liberal Arts & Sciences), UNC-Asheville
  • BM (Bachelor in Music Performance), Brevard College

Research Interests

  • Jazz Pedagogy and Performance
  • Percussion and Piano Pedagogy and Performance
  • Composition and Arranging

Courses Taught

  • MUS 1240: Applied Percussion
  • MUS 1270: Jazz Ensemble
  • MUS 1300: Applied Piano

Crews and Other Activities

  • Published composer and arranger, with works ranging from jazz music to chamber music performed in China, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, The Philippines, New Zealand, and throughout the United States
  • The winner of the 2011 Yamaha/Percussive Arts Society Terry Gibbs Competition, an international scholarship competition for jazz vibraphonists
  • Volunteer event coordinator and musical director for fundraising concerts for Center for Honeybee Research, Cherokee Seed Corn, CIMA (The Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción), Conserving Carolina, Dogwood Alliance, Helpmate, Homeward Bound, MANNA Food Bank, NAACP, Planned Parenthood, Our Voice, Swannanoa Valley Welcome Table, RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services), The Red Cross, and WNC Green Building Alliance

Contact Dr. DeCristofaro

(828) 273-8254
jdecristofaro@m.doshacenter.com
Kittredge 125
https://youtube.com/jasondecristofaro
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