Ed Breazeale is a drum set performer, composer and jazz educator. He has had the good fortune to perform with many jazz luminaries including: Phil Woods, Victor Goines, Peter Martin, Cyrus Chesnut, Billy Hart, Maria Schneider, Von Freeman, David “Fathead” Newman, Bobby Broom, Nneena Freelon, Brad Goode, Andy Laverne, Jon Faddis, Elliot Mason and Carlos Henriquez. Ed holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is pursuing a master’s degree in jazz performance and pedagogy from the University of Colorado.
Between Cincinnati and Colorado Ed spent 8 years living and working in Chicago, IL. During this time he was able to perform extensively with Chicago’s abundant jazz talent including: Ryan Cohan, Jim Gailloreto, Larry Novak, Mike Allemana, Art Davis, Joe Policastro, Scott Hesse, Greg Ward and Mark Colby. Ed has performed at every longstanding Chicago jazz venue including: the Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge, Pete Miller’s and has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival on multiple occasions.
A dedicated and passionate educator, Ed has taught in a wide variety of venues. Most recently he was a graduate part-time instructor at the University of Colorado where he taught jazz history, jazz combos and jazz ensemble. Ed also has extensive experience in the formation and direction of educational percussion and jazz ensembles curriculum for public school districts. Ed Breazeale is a Vic Firth Artist/Educator and has conducted clinics at the following educational festivals, high schools and colleges: Rolling Meadows Jazz Festival, Evanston Jazz Festival, St. Vrain Jazz Festival, Niwot High School, Denver School of the Arts, Northern Kentucky University, University of Colorado and Sheperd’s College.
Ed’s educational duties at the University of Wyoming will include directing Jazz Ensemble II and conducting regular drum master classes.
