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Faculty/Staff Directory

James Pisano

Associate Professor of Music

Education

• B.A., University of New Hampshire
• M.M., University of Miami, 1997

Biography

Jim Pisano serves as assistant professor and director of jazz studies at Bethel College. His performance and teaching invitations have taken him to nearly every state as well as Europe and South Africa. In addition to his extensive jazz performing and teaching background, Pisano holds degrees in clarinet performance. As a clarinetist, he has performed in the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas, as well as the Miami City Ballet and the Florida Philharmonic. He has served in the Wichita Grand Opera orchestra in the position of clarinet/bass clarinet since the company’s opening premiere performances with both Maestros Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo beginning in 2001.

As a jazz saxophonist, he has shared the stage as a soloist with many jazz luminaries, such as Phil Woods, Frank Foster, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Nancy Wilson, James Moody, Hank Jones, The Lionel Hampton Big Band, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Artie Shaw Band, The Cab Calloway Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Big Band among many other internationally know jazz artists from many different generations. Pisano holds degrees from the University of New Hampshire and the University of Miami. While studying at UM, he was a member of the award-winning Concert Jazz Band. Previous teaching positions have included East Tennessee State University and The University of Idaho, Lionel Hampton School of Music, where at both he was also the director of jazz studies.