MEET OUR FACULTY & Visiting ARTISTs
Interplay is fortunate to benefit from a vibrant and diverse community of faculty and visiting artists. Our community is always changing and growing. We're so thankful for the remarkable artists who have been part of our work as instructors below.
PAST & PRESENT VISITING ARTISTS
Voice
Sheila jordan
NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan is a jazz vocalist known for her distinctive, emotive voice and her deep connection to bebop. Entirely non-derivative, Jordan is one of only a tiny handful of jazz singers who fully deserve the appellation and for whom no other term will do.
She became a prominent figure in the New York jazz scene and was mentored by Charlie Parker. With a career spanning over six decades, is celebrated for her innovative approach to vocal improvisation and scat singing.
Voice
Jazzmeia horn
Jazzmeia is a Grammy-nominated vocalist celebrated for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Her writing combines traditional jazz influences with elements of contemporary genres, earning her recognition as one of the leading voices of her generation.
Ms. Horn is an inspiring teacher who commands a large and active teaching studio. She recently published Strive from Within, the Jazzmeia Horn Approach.
Voice
Karrin allyson
Vocalist, pianist, composer and band leader Karrin Allyson has been recognized as one of the leading figures in American music since she began performing in the midwest in the 1980s.
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In addition Karrin Allyson is noted as an exceptional teacher, with countless masterclasses and private students, holding a position as head of the jazz vocal department at the Hartt School of Music/ Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the the University of Hartford.
Voice | Piano
John Proulx
A longtime Interplay faculty member, John is a jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer whose work blends traditional jazz with a contemporary sensibility. A skilled accompanist and soloist, Proulx has released several albums showcasing his smooth voice, inventive piano work, and rich compositions. His ability to bring a fresh, nuanced approach to classic jazz standards has earned him a dedicated following in the jazz community.
Voice | Piano
dena derose
Dena is a celebrated jazz singer, pianist, and composer with a unique ability to blend traditional jazz with modern influences. Known for her emotive voice, rich harmonies, and engaging performances, she has performed internationally and released numerous albums to critical acclaim.
DeRose's musical versatility, honed by years of playing in various jazz contexts, has made her a standout in the jazz world.
Voice | Piano
nicole zuraitis
Nicole is a Grammy‑winning jazz vocalist, pianist, and composer known for her dynamic artistry and original songwriting. A two‑time Grammy winner and multiple nominee, she earned the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for How Love Begins. Zuraitis is recognized for her powerful voice, genre‑blending approach, and performances at major venues and festivals worldwide.
Piano
Oscar Perez
Pianist and composer Oscar Perez is known for his dynamic, genre-blending style that fuses Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and contemporary jazz influences.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians and performed on international stages, earning recognition for his virtuosic technique and emotive playing. Perez has also released several acclaimed albums, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the global jazz scene.
Guitar
Freddie Bryant
Freddie is a jazz guitarist and composer known for his virtuosic playing and eclectic musical style. Throughout his career, he has performed with a wide range of jazz luminaries, blending elements of jazz, Latin music, and blues into his compositions and performances. Bryant is celebrated for his technical skill and ability to create rich, expressive melodies on both the guitar and the nylon-stringed classical guitar.
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Bass
Dave Clark
Dave is a jazz bassist recognized for his rich tone and versatile playing across a wide range of jazz styles. As a sought-after sideman and bandleader, Clark has performed with many notable artists and has been a key figure in both contemporary and traditional jazz circles.
Clark teaches at Berklee College of Music and has been part of the Interplay family for two decades.
Drums
Matt Wilson
Matt is an acclaimed jazz drummer and bandleader known for his innovative approach to rhythm and his engaging, often playful, performances. A versatile artist, Wilson has led several acclaimed groups, including the Matt Wilson Quartet, and has worked with top jazz artists. His music combines elements of avant-garde, traditional jazz, and folk influences, earning him recognition as one of the most exciting drummers in contemporary jazz.
PAST & PRESENT FACULTY
Voice
Dominique eade
Dominique is an accomplished jazz vocalist and composer known for her innovative approach to vocal jazz. She collaborates with notable musicians in the jazz scene, blending inventive improvisation with a variety of styles. Eade is on vocal faculty at the New England Conservatory and board member at Interplay Jazz & Arts.
Voice | Piano
Richie Iacona
Richie is a talented jazz pianist, arranger, and educator based in Long Island, known for his expressive playing and deep understanding of the great American Songbook. He has performed with numerous renowned artists with a storied past expanding the New York jazz scene.
Voice | Bass
Madeline Kole
Maddie is a dynamic jazz singer and bassist from Long Island, recognized for her captivating, heart felt performances. She expertly navigates both classic jazz standards and American popular song, showcasing versatility within the genres.
Voice | Piano
Laura Mustari
Laura is a talented jazz pianist and vocalist, known for her sophisticated harmonies and lyrical melodic lines. Her technical prowess for harmony reflects her deep understanding of the genre. Mustari is also committed to music education, inspiring the next generation through teaching.
Voice
Sachal vasandani
Sachal is recognized for his singular voice, with a tone and unique phrasing that mark him as one of the most compelling artists on the scene today.
A preeminent educator, Vasandani bridges a strong technical foundation and disciplined, immersive jazz study with a fundamentally open spirit. Through his workshops, classes, and lessons at multiple institutions around the globe, he has honed a style of teaching that is as encouraging as it is thorough.
Piano
Armen Donelian
Armen is an accomplished jazz pianist and composer known for his lyrical playing and deep understanding of harmony.
With a career spanning several decades, he has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and has released several albums that showcase his innovative approach to jazz.
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Armen teaches at the New School and has been on the Interplay faculty for over 20 years.
Piano
James Francies
James has played with jazz headliners like Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Stefon Harris, Eric Harland, and Terrace Martin, and racked up equally impressive credits in hip-hop and R&B: from shows with Ms. Lauryn Hill, José James, Common, and NAS, to studio time for Chance the Rapper’s Grammy-winning hit “No Problem”, Mark Ronson , Childish Gambino, YEBBA, Drake, and Kodak Black, to appearances with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside his mentor and friend Questlove.
Piano
Bob hallahan
Bob is a versatile jazz pianist and educator. With a deep appreciation for both traditional and contemporary jazz, he has played with many of the jazz greats. Hallahan is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
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Bob is a Retired Associate Professor of Music at James Madison University, where he taught for years, along with being on Interplay's piano faculty for several years.
Piano
David cook
David has Music Directed and/or played for many notable artists, including Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Ben Platt, Shoshana Bean, Lizz Wright, EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson, Kesha, Utada Hikaru, Halsey, NSYNC, Billy Porter, Joshua Bassett, Blu DeTiger and Shayna Steele.
Winds
John Carlson
John is a distinguished jazz trumpeter and educator known for his exceptional improvisational skills and versatility across various genres. With a rich performance history, he has collaborated with numerous renowned artists. He is an integral part of the live music scene in New York.
Winds
Fred Haas
Interplay founder Fred Haas is a talented saxophonist, pianist and educator recognized for his expressive playing and deep understanding of jazz language.
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Haas recently retired from Dartmouth College and continues to perform and teach in Vermont and Florida.
Winds
Alex taylor
Alex is an accomplished West Coast-based saxophonist and composer known for his engaging performances. With a background that blends traditional jazz with contemporary and pop influences, he has made a name for himself in the jazz community. Taylor is committed to growing community through music and is dedicated to fostering a love for jazz in others.
Winds
Michael Zsoldos
Michael is a versatile jazz saxophonist and educator known for his dynamic playing and innovative compositions. He has performed with a wide array of ensembles, showcasing his adaptability. Zsoldos is passionate about music education and is the current Director of the Interplay Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Guitar
Jason Ennis
Jason is a talented jazz guitarist and composer known for his intricate playing and rich harmonic language. With a background in both classical and jazz music, he blends diverse influences from around the world to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences.
Guitar
David Newsam
David is an inventive guitarist and educator recognized for his expressive playing and deep understanding of the jazz tradition.
Newsam is dedicated to mentoring young musicians, teaching at multiple college in the Northeast.
Guitar
Alex Wintz
Alex is a dynamic jazz guitarist and composer known for his innovative approach and dynamic performances. Based in the vibrant New York jazz scene, he has collaborated with a range of notable musicians and has released several well-regarded albums that showcase his unique voice within the genre.
Bass
jennifer vincent
Jennifer Vincent, bassist and cellist, has been an active force on the music scene in New York City for well over a decade. She plays and has played and toured with the likes of Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, Jon Hendricks, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and many other jazz and Latin notables.
Bass
Kevin smith
Kevin is an accomplished Atlanta-based bassist recognized for his dynamic play and deep understanding of jazz and classical. He has collaborated with many of the greats such as Freddy Cole, Jazzmeia Horn, Jimmy Cobb, and Russell Gunn. Smith teaches at the Atlanta Music Project, Pace Academy, and the Lovett School.
Drums
Tim gilmore
Tim is an extremely creative drummer and educator. With a diverse background in various musical genres, he is a staple in the Upper Valley music community. Gilmore is a passionate educator, inspiring young musicians along their musical journey.
Drums
Justin Varnes
Justin Varnes is continuing the legacy of spreading joy and love through jazz that founder Fred Haas created almost 30 years ago. Based in Atlanta, he has performed with dozens of jazz greats, bringing a contemporary edge to traditional jazz styles. He is both the founder of the Jazz Legacy Project and the Director of Interplay Jazz & Arts.
in memoriam:
Dishan
harper
In January of 2025, the Interplay family lost a bright, young soul.
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Dishan Harper is the son of Danny and Terry Harper, part of a legendary jazz family. Both his parents are monster jazz musicians and educators. Danny plays trumpet and Terry plays piano and sings. His brother Terence is also a monster trumpet player, making big waves on the scene. Thus, I consider Dishan royalty.
I met Dishan when he studied at a college I taught at in Atlanta. He was in my combos and other classes. He showed up to college already with ability and experience. And as young person who was supremely talented, Dishan was humble and eager to learn. He was always kind, worked hard, and a favorite in the jazz program.
When we had the opportunity to add some junior faculty to Interplay, I was excited to bring him on. I wanted to give him the chance to develop as a teacher. Little did I know what we were in for.
During the first day of summer camp combo, we played a few tunes and Michael Zsoldos and I launched into teacher mode. Then, I turned and asked Dishan if he wanted to add anything. Quietly and humbly, he said “sure.”
He then proceeded to teach these high school kids the Barry Harris method of learning to improvise. He was patient, efficient, and crystal clear in his teaching.
Michael and I just sat down and started taking notes. He was teaching ALL of us. Within minutes, our combo was SWINGING. We heard jazz language pour from these young musicians, and the whole combo lit up.
I heard reports of similar moments in the bass master classes. I walked up to him in the middle of the week and said “umm, you’re full-time faculty now.”
Those of us who got a chance to be around him know what a kind and generous person he was. And what a talented musician.
In just a few short years, Dishan made a huge impact on Interplay. I am forever grateful to have what little time I got with Dishan. And will do whatever I can to keep his flame burning at Interplay and beyond.
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- Justin Varnes
Director, Interplay Jazz & Arts
