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Andre Hayward

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Courses Taught

Applied Lessons, Trombone

Ensembles

The Duke Ellington Orchestra

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Marcus Roberts & Modern Jazz Generation

Q&A

What is your hometown?

Houston, Texas

What are you passionate about outside of music?

Internet marketing, cooking, and thrift shopping

Who were your major teachers? (List three or fewer.)

Conrad Johnson, Barry Harris, Wynton Marsalis

What is a favorite quote that you repeatedly tell students?

If you can sing it, you can play it!

What was the defining moment when you decided to pursue music as a career?

My first tour with Roy Hargrove back in 1992.

What was a turning point in your career?

Joining Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1999.

If you weren't a musician or teacher, what do you think you would be doing now?

Real estate investing, Online marketing consultant

What is your daily practice routine?

Long tones, lip slurs, articulation studies, scales, improvisational patterns.

If you could play only three composers for the rest of your life, who would they be?

Duke Ellington, Jimmy Heath, Charles Tolliver

What is your unrealized project?

A gospel recording with my father, Melvin Hayward

Please list your top awards and distinctions. (Three only.)

International Thelonious Monk Trombone Competition -2003

Benny Golson Jazz Master Award - 2015

Honorary Inductee of Phi Mu Alpha - 2018

What recordings can we hear you on?

Andre Hayward - Chris Jones "Way Back Home" | Betty Carter

"I'm Yours You're Mine (Verve) | Wycliffe Gordon/Andre Hayward

"Boss Bones" (Criss Cross)

Andre Hayward is an extremely gifted trombonist with the sound and clarity reminiscent of the late J.J. Johnson. His gospel-tinged approach is refreshing and will warm the hearts of anyone he comes in contact with.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1973, Hayward's first exposure to the world of music was through his parents, Melvin and Barbara Hayward where musical talent exists on both sides. Hayward began playing trombone and tuba at the age of 11 under the tutelage of Leon Schreiber and 2 years later with Bob Odneal who was lead trumpeter for Maynard Ferguson. Hayward continued playing through high school where he attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts under the direction of notable jazz educator, Robert "Doc" Morgan. He continued to hone his skills with Houston's legendary educator, Conrad O. Johnson. It was Conrad's instruction, and the opportunity to work in his big band,"The Big Blue Sound", where he really started to gain experience working in an ensemble.

He landed his first engagement with trumpeter Roy Hargrove for a European tour after being heard at a jam session during a festival while playing with the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble. After Hargrove, Hayward performed and recorded with singer/bandleader Betty Carter for five years in her acclaimed "Jazz Ahead"program. Other acclaimed performers include Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Kirk Whalum,Jimmy Heath, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Illinois Jacquet's Big Band. His most recent performance credits are The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The San Francisco Jazz Collective, and The Clayton - Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

In 2003, he received first place and a $20,000 scholarship at the International Thelonious Monk Trombone Competition in Washington, DC. Hayward is also an educator who has conducted numerous clinics and workshops in various parts of the US and overseas.

Hayward has served as jazz trombone professor at New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music, New York University, New England Conservatory, Michigan State University, University of Texas - Butler School of Music, and University of North Texas.