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Jim Saltzman

About Me

Jim Saltzman is quickly becoming a powerful force on the New York jazz scene. His versatility and forward thinking have led to Jim’s open-minded, eclectic collaborations with some of the most engaging players of his generation. Born in Pequannock, NJ, Jim received his B.M. in Jazz and Commercial Music (Performance) from the University of the Arts in 2000, and his M.M. in Jazz Studies (Performance) from William Paterson University in 2002, where he was the first saxophonist to complete the graduate program. While attending both schools, he studied with David Demsey, Don Braden, James Williams, Ron Kerber, Frank Mazzeo, Bill Zaccagni, and Rich DeRosa. Jim has also studied privately with Seamus Blake, Rich Perry, and Kenny Werner. As a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop led by Jim McNeely and Mike Holober, he was awarded the prestigious 2011 BMI Foundation Charlie Parker Composition Prize for his composition, “Road To Zion.” His most recent CD of original compositions, Hidden Intentions was chosen as one of the “Top Ten Jazz CD’s of 2007” by the Boston Globe, and was listed in the “Critics Picks, Top Jazz CD’s of 2007” by Jazz Times. Jim has also recorded two additional CD’s, “Along the Way” (2000), and “Aggregate” (2003),and has performed with Don Braden, Jim McNeely, George Coleman, James Moody, Grover Washington, Jr., Eddie Gomez, Jon Faddis, David Berkman, John Benitez, Jeff Hirschfield, Claudio Roditi, Vanessa Rubin, and many others. He has been a member and contributing composer/arranger of the Cecil’s Big Band for over seven years. In addition to his busy performing schedule, Jim is also a dedicated educator. He is an Adjunct Lecturer of Music at Drew University in Madison, NJ, where he teaches saxophone, jazz ensemble, Jazz History, and World Music. Jim served as the head counselor and instructor for William Paterson University’s Summer Jazz Improvisation Camp from 2001-2007, where he taught jazz improvisation, coached a small group, and taught saxophone lessons. Additionally, he teaches a full schedule of private saxophone, flute, and clarinet students in the northern New Jersey area. Jim is also an author, having written for Down Beat magazine. His extensive masters thesis, “Stylistic Aspects in the Improvisations of Tenor Saxophonist Warne Marsh” is currently seeking publication. Jim is a current DMA (Jazz Arts Advancement) candidate at Manhattan School of Music.