THE STORY
Gene Aitken, 1985 Grammy Award recipient and Fulbright Scholar, is considered one of the most exciting and energetic jazz educators/clinicians today! He is recognized as a visionary in both jazz education and computer technology.
His activities as a conductor, performer, composer, adventurer, clinician, adjudicator, and producer of educational events have led him to all corners of the globe. As CEO of Jazz Education Abroad, a US non-profit organization, his travels to many countries in Asia and the Middle East include China, Taiwan, Thailand, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Chile, Argentina, and many others.
Currently, Dr. Gene is Director of the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, in Taipei, Taiwan, In addition, he is CEO of Jazz Education Abroad as well as CEO of iJazzMusic.com, one of the most exciting publishers of great jazz music in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
In February 2017, Dr. Gene Aitken was appointed by the US Department of State to serve as one of the three panel members on the Fulbright Specialist Awards Committee in the Education category, a position he still holds today.
Dr. Aitken in 2013 was appointed the Cultural Envoy to Chile, presenting concerts and master classes in Santigao, Curico, Talca, and other cities throughout the country.
On April 15, 2011, the United States Department of State, on behalf of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, announced Dr. Aitken was the recipient of a Fulbright Specialist Award to assist in developing jazz studies programs and curriculum in Taipei, Taiwan.
In 2008, Dr. Aitken was appointed the first Cultural Envoy to Nepal for the US Department of State. While there he worked with the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory of Music and the Nepal Armed Forces Military Band.
In March/April 2007, Dr. Gene has been the only American to serve as Guest Conductor of the Peoples’ Liberation Army Band of China (PLA) located in Beijing, China. During his 15-day guest appearance he directed the PLA Wind Ensemble, the 40-piece PLA Pop Band, and the PLA Jazz Ensemble. His guest appearance included the dedication of the new 1,500-seat PLA Concert Hall.
In June 2007, Dr. Gene was awarded DownBeat magazine’s Jazz Educator of the Year and inducted into the DownBeat magazine’s Hall of Fame. In addition, he was the 32nd member inducted into the 1995 International Association of Jazz Educator’s Hall of Fame along with Ella Fitzgerald and Doc Severinson, joining luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and others. Dr. Aitken is only one of four individuals in the world who have received induction into both organizations’ Hall of Fame.
The State of Colorado in 1992 awarded Dr. Gene the highest honor given to any artist, the Colorado Artistic Award of Excellence. It has been the only time this honor has been presented to an individual in the field of music.
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded the University of Northern Colorado Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Gene, a prestigious 1985 Grammy Award. As of this date, he has produced over 45 CDs from the University of Northern Colorado and other educational institutions, professional jazz and vocal jazz ensembles in the United States and Asia.
sdsd
A New Professional Wind Ensemble in Iraq (Dec 2008) 632Kb PDF
Music Technology for the 21st Century (March 1997) 1.0 MB PDF
Interactive Media: A New Tutor (May 1993) 796 K PDF
Understanding and Using CD-ROM in Jazz Education (Winter 1992) 970K PDF
The “New” New York Voices (Fall 1992) 1.5 MB PDF
Jazz in a Technological Age (Winter 1991) 740K PDF
Visions: Interactive Multimedia-Helping Teachers Add Value to Information (September 1991) 616 K PDF
The Four Freshmen: Interview with Bob Flanagan (Winter 1989) 870K PDF
A Fresh Start: Add a Vocal Jazz Group to Your Program (Spring 1989) 630K PDF
Best Selling Vocal Jazz Music (April 1988) 320K PDF
Terra Nova: What’s New? (Oct. 1987) 670K PDF
Bobby McFerrin: Expect the Unexpected (Oct. 1987) 940K PDF
Sherrill Milnes: Baritone Extraordinaire Talks About Vocal Jazz (Oct. 1986) 580K PDF
Directory of Collegiate Vocal Jazz Ensembles (Oct. 1985) 190K PDF
Vocal Jazz: Individual Miking—The Set-up and Rehearsal (Oct. 1985) 1.4 MB PDF
Vocal Jazz Vibrato (Oct. 1984) 1.65 MB PDF
Vocal Jazz: Rehearsal Techniques, Part 1 (Feb. 1984) 750K PDF
Vocal Jazz: Rehearsal Techniques, Part 2 (April 1984) 1.1 MB PDF
Vocal Jazz: The Rhythm Section, Part 1 (Feb. 1983) 1.3 MB PDF
Vocal Jazz: The Rhythm Section, Part 2 (April 1983) 790K PDF
Vocal Jazz Improvisation: An Instrumental Approach (Oct. 1983) 1.6 MB PDF
Vocal Jazz: Playing Piano into Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Oct. 1983) 820K PDF
Rare Silk: What it is! (Oct. 1982) 770K PDF
Directory of Collegiate Vocal Jazz Ensembles (Oct. 1982) 190K PDF
Vocal Jazz: The Performance Set-up and Miking Techniques (Dec. 1982) 520K PDF
What is Vocal Jazz? (Oct. 1980) 651K PDF
Artist Profiles 630K PDF
NAJE Recommended Vocal Jazz Soloists & Clinicians/Adjudicators 160K PDF
Vocal Jazz Composers/Arrangers 230K PDF
Governor’s Awards For Excellence in the Arts 92K PDF
The articles below are reviews of Aitken’s recordings, articles about Aitken’s work in the US and internationally as well as other references about his contributions to jazz and classical education.
Aitken brings a taste of the musical world to Millikin students
28 October 2010. 783KB PDF by Jim Vorel, Herald-Review.com
An Ambassador of Jazz
Spring 2010. 18.4MB PDF by Mary Sasaki, Northern Vision
Gene Aitken: On the Sunny Side of the Street
16 Aug 2009. 254 KB PDF by Tarek Chemaly, from “Beirut/NTSC (Never Twice Same City)”
Legendary Jazz Educator has a New Challenge: Iraq
<21 April, 2009. 1MB PDF by Dan England, Greeley Tribune
Wanna Learn Jazz
June 10, 2008. 1MB PDF By Staff Reporter, The Rising Nepal
Jazz Lecturer
June 19, 2008. 1000KB PDF By Editorial Staff, Fête De La Musique, Alliance Francaise
Gene Aiken, Emeritus Director of UNC Jazz Studies, Headed To Iraq for Historic Performing Arts Academy
September 9, 2008. 964KB PDF By International Connections, University of Northern Colorado
Grammy Winner Educates Jazz Students
October 29, 2008. 892KB PDF By Irene P., Blue and Gold, Taipei American School (Taiwan)
American Voices Newsletter
January 2009. 744KB PDF By Editorial Staff, American Voices Association
A Smooth Melody
Winter 2008. 1.8MB PDF By Jason Webb, Northern Voices, University of Northern Colorado
UA Huntsville News Center
10 November 2008. 204KB PDF By Editorial Staff, University of Alabama, Huntsville
American Voices Newsletter
5 October 2008. 600KB PDF By Editorial Staff, American Voices Association
Jazz educator to preside over competition
22 September 2008. 820KB PDF by David Chen, Staff Writer, Taiwan Community Compass
Mercedes-Benz Taiwan Jazz Competition
3 September 2008. 88KB PDF by Staff, Taipei Times
Redemption Songs
Summer 2008. 148KB PDF by Sharleen Nelson, Old Oregon, Univeristy of Oregon
US Cultural Envoy Inaugurates KJC
9 June 2008. 80KB PDF by Editorial Staff, United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
US Cultural Envoy News
5 June 2008. 32KB PDF by Editorial Staff, Embassy Highlights, Embassy of the United States, Nepal
Alumni Notes: Gene Aitken ’65
June 2008. 128KB PDF by Whitney Biaggi, Columns Magazine, The University of Washington
2008 China Trumpet Guild Conference
14-19 May 2008. 324KB PDF by Dai Zhonghui, China Trumpet Guild Conference Program
Still Going Strong In Iraq
May 2008 by John Ferguson, American Voices Newsletter, No. 2
Donated Materials and Expertise Still Flow To Iraq
7 February 2008. 478KB PDF by Staff, American Voices
New Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Showcases Talent
February 2008. 84K PDF By Robert Markow, Strings Magazine (USA)
Jazz Unites World, Teacher Revels
14 December 2007. 264KB PDF by Jodie Minus, Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Bulli Jazz On Top of the World
13 December 2007. 288KB PDF by Editorial Staff, Wollongong & Northern Leader (Australia)
Jazz Musos Delighted as Aitken Hits Town
12 December 2007. 304KB PDF by Agron Latir, The Advertiser (Australia)
Jazz Expert to Speak at Minnesota State University
1 November 2007. 48K PDF by Derek Wehrwein, Editor, Minnesota State University Reporter (Mankato)
Jazzing Iraq
October 2007. 1.2MB PDF By David R. Adler, Jazz Times
Jazz Diplomacy
September 2007. 136 KB PDF by J. B. Spins, Jazz and Improvised Politics
Transforming Iraq Into a Rhythm Nation
September 2007. 1.1MB PDF By Editorial Staff, American Voices Association
Gene Aitken, 2007 Jazz Educator of the Year
June 1, 2007. 376 KB PDF by Jason Koransky, Editor, DownBeat Magazine
The Jazz Trumpet Section
May 2007. 628 KB PDF by Professor Dai Zhonghui, China Trumpet Guild Conference
He’s Back!
April 2007. 240K PDF by Ann Diaz, UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival 2007
The IAJE Jazz Train on Track in Malaysia
January 2007. 824K PDF by Brian Copping, IAJE Jazz Educator
New World in Education Opens
Nov/Dec 2006. 500K PDF by Editorial Staff, National University of Singapore News Portal (Singapore)
New Home for Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
7 October 2006. 380K PDF by Editorial Staff, National University of Singapore News Portal (Singapore)
Dr. Gene Aitken Retires
October 2006. by Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Deputy President and Provost National Univerisity of Singapore
With the Best of the Best Facilities
August 2006. 244K PDF by Kim Jungeun, Auditorium Magazine (South Korea)
We Must Treasure Those Who Are Truly Talented
August 2006. 32K PDF by the Editorial Staff, The Strait Times (Singapore)
An Annual Homecoming
April 2006. 44K PDF by Briana Hovendick, UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival 2006
Focus on Dr. Gene Aitken
October 2005. 228 K PDF Auditorium Magazine (South Korea)
Jazz in the Crystal Ball—A Look into the Future
April 2005. 156 K PDF by Elizabeth Bright, The Greeley Tribune
Winning Isn’t Everything
November 2004. 834 K PDF by Paul Haar, Jazz Times
Gene Aitken Retires, Then Resurfaces in Asia!
January 31, 2004. 420K PDF by Ken Anderson, Colorado Music Educator
2003 Distinguished alumnus Award: Allan Eugene Aitken
June 2003 (web article) by Editorial Staff, University of Oregon School of Music
18 Vie to Play in Youth Orchestra
February 2003. 44 K PDF by Myo Theingi Cho, The Myanmar Times, vol. 8, no. 152
Vocal Jazz Singing Using Individual Mikes
July 2002. 404 K PDF By Mrs. Pat Lacey, ChoralNet Website
Grant Writing For the Arts
April 2002. 760K PDF by Ed Mason, Illinois State University Research and Sponsored Programs Quarterly
CD Review: Hot XIII: It Ain’t Necessarily So
November 2000 Editorial by a-cappella.com
CD Review: Alive XVI: This One’s for Buddy
February 1999. 116 K PDF by Jack Bowers, All About Jazz Online
Music Technology for the 21st Century
March 1997. 1 MB PDF Edited by Linda Enghagen, The National Education Association Professional Library
DownBeat Achievement Awards for Jazz Education
May 1995. 234K PDF
Technology and tools create a spectrum of sophisticated music
September 1993. 160 KB PDF By Kurt Knaus, Science Writer, The Daily Collegian
Computer Brings the ‘Aural and Visual’ to Jazz History
September 1993. 296 KB PDF by Peter Monaghan, The Chronicle of Higher Education
The Latest in Technology Brings Fresh Tone to Teaching and Learning in Music
September 1993. 920 KB PDF by Peter Monaghan, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Jazz Education In America
July 1993. 312 KB PDF by Graham Collier, The Churchill Report (London)
CD Review: Ashley Alexander, Seems Like Old Times
1 January 1987 (Gene Aitken, Assistant Producer) By Artist Direct.com
The Dilemma Of Women’s Jazz Festivals
April 1983. 248 KB PDF by Amy Duncan, Christian Science Monitor
Groundbreaker for Vocal Jazz
August 1982. 416 KB PDF by Amy Duncan, Christian Science Monitor
The Jazz Trumpet Section (May 2008)
» download PowerPoint
How to Succeed In College Teaching (March 2002)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
How to Write a Successful Job Application (Feb. 2002)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
Jazz Articulation for the Jazz Ensemble (Jan. 2002)
» download PDF
10 Things I Wish I Knew In College (Jan. 2002)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
How to Write a Grant Proposal (March 2001)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
How to Develop a Successful and Educational Jazz Festival (Jan. 2001)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal Techniques (Jan. 2001)
» download PDF
Vocal Jazz Overview (Aug. 2000)
» download PDF
Rhythm Section Rehearsal Techniques (June 2000)
» download PDF
Vocal Jazz Singing (June 2000)
» download PDF
Psychology of Presentations (Dec. 1999)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
T. A. Orientation (Aug. 1999)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
Teaching Music in a Technological Age (Oct. 1996)
» download PowerPoint
» download PDF
YES Academy, 27 July – 7 August 2010, Beirut, Lebabon—1.3MB JPG
YES Academy, 17-24 July 2010, Damascus, Syria—1.7MB JPG
YES Academy, 4 May 2010, Bangkok, Thailand—2.7MB PDF
UNC Greeley Jazz Festival, 22-24 April 2010—4.9MB PDF
Big Band Night, 17 April 2010, Taipei, Taiwan—920KB
Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory Concert Series IV Directed by the US Cultural Envoy Dr. Gene Aitken, 22 June 2008—48KB PDF
4th China International Trumpet Week and Conference, 13-17 May 2009. Nangchang University, Nanchang, China. Trumpet Artist.—1.3MB PDF
Jazz Education in Unlikely Places – An Original American Art Form Circles the Globe, November 13, 2009— 908KB PDF By Dr. Don Bower, Music Department, Univerisity of Alabama, Huntsville
UNC Greeley Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band, 25 April 2009—702KB JPG
APAC Band Festival 2009 Program, 26-28 February 2009. Hong Kong Interntaional School, Hong Kong, China. Conductor.—608KB PDF
APAC Band Festival 2009, February 26-28 2009— 656KB PDF By the Asia Pacific Activities Conference
2008 China Trumpet Guild Conference, 14-19 May 2008—324KB PDF by Dai Zhonghui, China Trumpet Guild Conference Program
2003 SAYOWE Concert Program, 27 September – 4 October 2003—20.9MB PDF
