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James McGowan
James McGowan is a pianist (jazz and classical), improviser, composer, music theorist, and educator at Carleton University in Ottawa Canada.
About Me
James McGowan (PhD Eastman) is an Associate Professor of Music at Carleton University, where he teaches music theory and composition. He is a passionate educator and was won several teaching awards, including the Carleton University Chair in Teaching Innovation (2020–23). He is Managing Director of the Carleton Jazz Camp, an instructor at CAMMAC in improvisation, piano, and musical fusions, and serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education in Ottawa. He is a published author of articles on jazz theory and music theory pedagogy. Embracing multiple styles of music, Dr. McGowan is a solo and collaborative pianist, at home in jazz, classical, and improvised musics. As a pianist, he performs regularly at Brookstreet Options Jazz Lounge and elsewhere in Ottawa. The 14- member James McGowan Ensemble releases its jazz-classical fusion album Reaching In in June 2023 featuring his compositions and poetry, which was supported in part by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. In recent years, he has released four other albums as leader or co-leader, including the critically acclaimed album 4K, feature his work as composer, pianist, and leader of the quartet Modasaurus. “Canadian quartet Modasaurus displays expert musicianship in a session firmly rooted in contemporary jazz fusion. Modasaurus is a quartet of extremely skilled musicians who combine styles expertly and turn 4K into a great success” (Elliot Marlow-Stevens, Jazz Journal (UK), March 24, 2021). More info at www.JamesMcGowan.ca
