Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III
Walter Dyett Chair for Jazz Studies, Diversity and Inclusion
Co-Artistic Director of One City Jazz
A few of the many awards Dr. Griffin has received are the 2022 John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year from Berklee College of Music and the Jazz Education Network, 2021 Outstanding Alumni from Concordia College, 2019 Men of Excellence Award from the Chicago Defender/Real Times Media, the 2018 Men of Excellence Award from the Illinois Education Association, 2017 Jazz Educator of the Year from the Jazz Institute of Chicago, Semi Finalist for the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Music Educator, 2015 Outstanding Alumni from Northern Illinois University, 2015 Jefferson Award for Public Service, and the 2014 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to his work at One City, Dr. Griffin also teaches at the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s Jazz Academy, the Griffin Institute, and is a frequent guest artist and clinician across the country. He served for more than a decade as director of the acclaimed jazz bands at Harvey School District 152. His middle school students have performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Jazz Showcase, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. In June of 2022, he joined the collegiate teaching faculty at VanderCook College of Music.Dr. Griffin, a renowned jazz educator, has garnered numerous accolades including the 2023 "Think Big" Award from Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and the 2022 John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year. He's also received recognition from Berklee College of Music, Jazz Education Network, and Concordia College. With a career spanning from teaching to performing with icons like Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Ross, and Jimmy Heath, Griffin's impact extends nationwide. His innovative teaching methods have earned him features in prestigious publications like DownBeat and JAZZed. Currently, he instructs at One City and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's Jazz Academy, while also serving as a guest artist and clinician.