Dick Dunscomb

J. Richard Dunscomb is one of the leading authorities in the field of Jazz music and music education. He has been recognized nationally and internationally as a guest conductor, author, adjudicator, clinician, and consultant. He has presented more than 200 workshops including conducting and jazz clinics throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Europe, Canada, Sweden, Japan and South America.

Throughout his career, Professor Dunscomb has been recognized with numerous honors and awards. The International Association of Jazz Educators elected Dunscomb to its Hall of Fame. The Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra clinic awarded Dunscomb the prestigious Medal of Honor. He also received numerous awards for his outstanding conducting, teaching and service from several universities. He was the North American Coordinator for the Montreux (Switzerland) International Jazz Festival for 18 years and has served as Executive Director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. 

His most recent publications include, with Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. “Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and Resource Guide,” a publication designed to provide a foundation and structure to plan and implement a successful Jazz program, available from Alfred/Belwin Music. His newest publication is, “ JAZZ ZONE ...THE BEGINNING” a beginning jazz method for big bands, available from Print Music Source and J.W. Pepper.

Dunscomb is Professor Emeritus of Music at Columbia College Chicago.  He was Chair of the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago, the nation’s premiere visual, performing, media and communications arts college located in Chicago, Illinois for 11 years. He is Vice President of the board of directors for the Midwest Clinic, an annual event in Chicago, Illinois with more than 18,000 participants.  Dunscomb is also an educational consultant for the Conn-Selmer Company.