Music Education Director Scott Gwinnell has served Music Hall since 2014, where he leads curriculum design, instructor and student training, and community outreach with a strong emphasis on mentorship. Holding an MM in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University, he has developed signature initiatives such as the DPS-CD Marygrove After-School Jazz Program, Education Jam Sessions, the "In the Tradition" Big Band mentorship, and Erb Foundation Jazz Ed Jazz Band Festival. Gwinnell is deeply committed to building pathways into higher education; many Music Hall students continue their studies with him at Oakland and Wayne State Universities. Gwinnell is a professor of jazz piano and director of the OU Jazz Singers and at Wayne State University, where he teaches jazz arranging and ensembles. He also founded the Detroit Jazz Workshop, a summer program that makes high-quality jazz education accessible to the wider community. Alongside his educational work, Gwinnell maintains an active career as a professional pianist, collaborating with world-class artists such as John Clayton, Dave Liebman, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Gwinnell was music director for three years.

contact info: wscottgwinnell@gmail.com

website: www.wscottjazz.com