Joshua Davis
Department: Music
Associate Professor of Music
- Education
- DMA, Univ of Maryland College Park
- BA, Univ of New Hampshire Durham
- MM, New England Conserv Music
- Instruments
- Bass
- Theory & Composition
- Jazz Band
- Music History
Associate Professor of Music
- Contact Information
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Email Addressdavisj@susqu.edu
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Phone Number570-372-4286
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Office LocationCunningham Center - Rm 214
Dr. Joshua Davis is a composer, arranger, and educator with performances as an orchestral and jazz bassist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the National Concert Hall in Taiwan, Blue Note Jakarta, Bimhuis Amsterdam, and Opera Marseille; with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Four Freshmen, Artichoke Dance Company, Tim Miller, Vardan Ovsepian, Peter Erskine, Jerry Bergonzi, and others. Recordings include Common Ground, with Peter Erskine, Bob Sheppard, Vardan Ovsepian, and Takako; Known Garden, a cd featuring Joshua’s compositions in the hands of contemporary jazz performers; Squashua, Joshua’s first feature recording as an arranger and leader, showcasing Romantic Era symphonies and the music of Sting.
Josh joined the faculty at Susquehanna University as the Director of Jazz Studies in 2006. He was the Director of Jazz Studies at Towson University between 2002 and 2006. Prior he was an awarded leader of curriculum development at Berklee College of Music where, as one of the youngest faculty members, he taught for six years. Josh created RhythmMeterWorkshop.com, a site of video lessons addressing rhythm and meter development. He is a curator at ShapeShifter Plus, programing new music concerts and educating the public about new music in New York City. Composition commissions include Overflow and Convergent Mirrors for Artichoke Dance Company’s 2016 concert series featuring double bass improvisation and Ableton Live, R Trainversations for Bella Voce Singers, and Partita Reflections for solo violin and improvising/classical double bass. Additional concert, composition, and teaching information can be found at www.joshuadavis.org.
I go nuts over new art that pushes boundaries. Happiness comes when I stumble on something unlike anything I have ever known. Predictability stifles; shocking surprise invigorates and enlightens. Modern dance is my latest muse, particularly the work of Artichoke Dance out of NYC. This company inspires a synthesis of music and movement, and asks for all I can conjure when composing with the creative elements I love most: jazz, classical, modern electro-acoustic and Indian form and structure. Susquehanna fosters this research with support for the travel required to continue my research in these directions, both for me to get to the people and venues defining these worlds, and for many of these people to come to us right here on campus, as resources for our students and local community.
Smart athletics are critical to sustaining what I do. Yoga and the campus pool keep me alive. Double bass, my primary instrument, stands well over my height and imposes a pretty hefty toll physically if I am not coming at it with smart exercise several times a week.
Above all else, Bella and Sam, my young children, are at the heart of my inspiration. While I've been in love with teaching for a couple decades beyond their ages, they've redefined what it is to be there for someone-for family members, friends, students, for everyone who looks to you for what it is you bring to the world.
Education
D.M.A., Composition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 2007
Composition: Dr. Thomas DeLio
M.M., Double Bass, New England Conservatory, Boston, MA 1996
Double Bass: Donald Palma, Hindustani Music: Dr. Peter Row, Improvisation: Bevan Manson
B.A., Music Theory, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 1993
Double Bass: John Hunter, Larry Veal, Composition: Walter Sir
Susquehanna University, Associate Professor, Director of Jazz 2006-present
Jazz Ensemble (Big Band) 14 semesters
Study of Jazz (Jazz History) 13 semesters
Double Bass 14 semesters
Jazz Combos 14 semesters
Composition 7 semesters
Jazz Improvisation 5 semesters
World Music Perspectives 3 semesters
Aural Theory II 3 semesters
Aural Theory III 2 semesters
Vocal Jazz 2 semesters
Written Theory II 2 semesters
Written Theory III 2 semesters
20th Century Music 1 semester
Intro. to Music 1 semester
Towson University, Director of Jazz/Commercial Music (2003-2006) 2002-2006
History of Jazz, Honors History of Jazz Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Theory/Improvisation I & II Pop Ensemble
Jazz/Commercial Bass
Berklee College of Music, Associate Professor 1996-2002
Ensemble Curriculum Development Chair (1997-1999)
Recording Studio Ensemble, levels 7-8 (8 level system) Jazz Improvisation
Contemporary Styles Ensemble, levels 1-2 Recital Preparation Seminar
Jazz Ensembles, levels 1-8 Double Bass, Electric Bass
University of Maine at Augusta, Instructor of Double Bass 1995-1996
Penn State Summer Youth Music, bass/improvisation/ensemble faculty 2010-2012
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, bass/improvisation/ensemble faculty 1996-2009
RhythmMeterWorkshop.com 2013-present
Author/Owner, pre-recorded video lessons, play alongs, interactive forum
Guest Conducting
Pennsylvania District 4 All-Star Big Band 2014
Pennsylvania All-State Big Band 2012
Pennsylvania District 8 All-Star Big Band 2012
Virginia Commonwealth University Jazz Ensemble 2011
Penn State University Summer Music Big Band 2010-2012
Tunkhannock All-District Jazz Ensemble 2008
Cumberland Jazz Festival Big Band 2005
Frederick All-County High School Jazz Band 2005
Towson High School Wind Ensemble and Big Band 2005
performance of commissioned composition Pedals with Towson University Jazz Faculty
Adjudication
Pennsylvania All-State Jazz Auditions, Rhythm Section 2011, 2013
Governor Mifflin H.S. Jazz Festival 2010
Susquehanna University High School Jazz Festival 2010, 2012, 2014
-create, market, adjudicate, direct, perform
Conrad Weiser Jazz Festival, Robesonia, PA 2009
Maryland All-State Jazz auditions 2006
Maryland All-State Jazz auditions 2005
Maryland All-State Jazz auditions 2004
Southern Pennsylvania High School Jazz Festival 2003
U.N.H. Clark Terry Jazz Festival 2002, 1999
Conference Presentations
- International Society of Bassists Conference, San Francisco State University, 6/7/11
Got Rhythm? -Odd Meter Performance Skills Development - International Society of Bassists Conference, San Francisco State University, 6/8/11
Early -Paul Sharpe Recital Performance of my composition for double bass and piano - PMEA Conference Presentation:, Valley Forge, PA, 4/23/09-4/24/09
two sessions: Improvisation for Beginners, Musical Conversations in the Rhythm Section - MMEA Conference Presentation:, Valley Forge, PA, 4/23/09-4/24/09
two sessions: Improvisation for Beginners, Musical Conversations in the Rhythm Section - MMEA Jazz All-State Conference Presentation: Towson University, Towson, MD
Rhythm Section Coaching, 1/14/06, 1/23/09-1/24/09 - VMEA Conference Presentation: Burlington, Vermont, 10/23/08
two sessions: Improvisation for Strings, Musical Conversations in the Rhythm Section
Conference Presentation/Performance
Association of Performing Arts Presenters, New York, NY, 2015
International Society of Bassists Biannual Convention, ISB, San Francisco State University, 2011
International Society of Bassists Biannual Convention, ISB, State College, PA, 2009
International Association of Jazz Educators, New York, NY, 2006
Masterclasses
2014
- USC Jazz Department, Rhythm/Meter Workshop
- Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, Beijing (contracted for May)
2013
- Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, Beijing: Big Band Coaching
- Penn State University Jazz Festival, Big Band Coaching (with Phil Woods)
- Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA: Jazz Ensemble Coaching
2012
- Penn State University Summer Music, Big Band, Improvisation
- JZ School, Shanghai: Improvisation
- Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, Beijing: Rhythmic Awareness
2011
- Penn State University Summer Music, Improvisation
- Yichang University, Yichang, China: Small Ensemble Performance Skills
- JZ School, Shanghai: Big Band Coaching
- Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, Beijing: Big Band Coaching
2010
- Penn State University Summer Music, Improvisation
- JZ School, Shanghai: Small Ensemble Performance Skills
2009 and earlier
- Susquehanna University Music Department Forum:
Chamber Music 9/09, 9/08, Improvisation 9/08, Afro-Cuban Rhythm 2/07,
Hindustani Rhythm 2/07, 9/07, 9/06 - Susquehanna University SAHC Luncheon Presentation, How Jazz Works 11/6/07
- Anchorage Arts Festival: Jazz Theory and Improvisation 7/07, 7/08
- L'Octave, Paris, France: Improvisation 5/24/07, 6/12/08
- Maine All-State Jazz Festival: Jazz Interpretation, Jazz Improvisation 1/08
- Yerevan Conservatory, Yerevan, Armenia: Jazz Improvisation 6/08
- Anchorage Public Schools (9 orchestras in 6 high schools): Improvisation (1 week) 1/07
- Towson University: TaKaDiMi, 2/7/06, Jazz Choir Groove and Improvisation 2/10/05
- Howard County Band Directors Meeting: Jazz Rhythm Section 11/21/05
- Cumberland Jazz Festival: Rhythm in Twos and Threes 5/28/05
- Baltimore School for the Arts: Jazz Improvisation (co-taught w/ Jeff Antoniuk) 11/22/04
- Baltimore School for the Arts: Improvisation 2004
- Towson University: Big Band Conducting 2004, co-taught w/ Tim Miller: Reharmonization 2004, co-taught w/ Monica Yngvesson Improvisation 2004, co-taught w/ Vardan Ovsepian: Reharmonization 2003, co-taught w/ Ben Monder: Improvisation and Interplay 2003
- Berklee College of Music: Guitar in a Jazz Ensemble 8/16-8/19/05, Guitar Week 2004, co-taught w/ Mick Goodrick: Contemporary Improvisation (5 sessions) 1996-2002, Odd Meter Performance Skills (7 part series) 2001, Time and Articulation 2000, Odd-Numbered Note Groupings 1999, Bach 'Cello Suites and Charlie Parker (4 part series) 1999, Compositional Improvisation 1998, co-taught w/ Skip Hadden: Phrasing 1997, co-taught w/ John Baboian: Bebop 1997, co-taught w/ Theresa Sutton: Vocal Performance 1996
Scholarship
Compact Disc Recordings (as accompanist)
Natalie John Natalie John, Conor Elmes, 2015
X Mark Papagno, Marco Minneman 2014
Common Ground Bob Shepperd, Peter Erskine, Vardan Ovsepian 2010
Trio Mark Papagno, Todd Harrison 2010
Aragast (Fresh Sound Records) Vardan Ovsepian, Tim Miller, Mark Ferber 2008
Trio II Tim Miller, Take Toriyama 2008
Voce Vardan Ovsepian, Take Toriyama, Megumi Sasaki 2006
Trio Tim Miller, Take Toriyama 2005
Akunc (Fresh Sound) Vardan Ovsepian, Take Toriyama 2005
Sketchbook (Fresh Sound) Vardan Ovsepian, Take Toriyama 2002
Somewhere Out There Mitch Haupers, Bob Weiner, Vardan Ovsepian 2000
Amphora Mark Kleinhaut 2000
Crosscurrent Crosscurrent 2000
Satellite Zamby Mendes Brothers 2000
We Vardan Ovsepian, Take Toriyama 1999
Flowers For You Susanna Sifter, Casey Scheuerell, Dino Govoni 1999
Here's To Life Dane Vanatter, Valentin Gregor 1998
Northern Standard Time Tom Snow, Phil Verrill 1998
Compact Disc Recordings (as composer/leader)
2011 Natalie John, Ole Mathisen, Ronen Itzik (released as mp3s) 2011
Known Garden Vardan Ovsepian, Tim Miller, Jordan Perlson, Ole Mathisen 2009
Broadcast internationally on over 30 radio stations
Squashua Vardan Ovsepian, Take Toriyama 2002
Long-Term Performance Collaborations
Asuka Kakitani Jazz Orchestra (big band) 2012-present Love Salad with Nicole Zuraitis, Tammy Scheffer, Thana Alexa, Ronen Itzik 2012-present
Margret Grebowicz Quartet with Mark Ferber, John O'Gallagher 2010-present
Andy Middleton Quartet (U.S. band) 2010-present
Tim Miller Trio with Dan Weiss 2006-present
Vardan Ovsepian Group with Tim Miller and Mark Ferber 2006-2011
Tim Miller Trio with Take Toriyama 1999-2007
Squashua w/ Vardan Ovsepian, Tim Miller, and Take Toriyama 1999-2007
Mick Goodrick 1996-2002
Crosscurrent 1998-2002
Fairbanks Festival Orchestra, principal bass 1996-2001
Granite State Symphony, principal bass 1995-2001
Gene Bertoncini Trio 1999
The Ritz, US/Indonesia tours 1993-1995
Artie Shaw, US/Taiwan/Hong Kong tours 1992-1995
Royal Princess (cruise ship) Show Band 1999
Commissioned Compositions, 2014
Disphotic Twilight Zone commissioned by Florida Gulf Coast University October 2014
Overflow commissioned by Artichoke Dance Company, Brooklyn August 2014
Rhythms of the R commissioned by Bella Voce Singers, Brooklyn July 2014
Mirrors commissioned by Artichoke Dance Company, Brooklyn May 2014
Almond, for violin and double bass for violin soloist Jennifer Sacher-Wiley March 2014
Courantithesis, for violin and double bass for violin soloist Jennifer Sacher-Wiley March 2014
Sera's Pond, for violin and double bass for violin soloist Jennifer Sacher-Wiley March 2014
You, Ray, for violin and double bass for violin soloist Jennifer Sacher-Wiley March 2014
Compositions, 2000-2013
Beams
Choices
Clocks
Crying Smile
Do It
Duck
Float
Hand In Hand
Olsoned
Open
Open Me
Questions
Rain
Say with Care
Sleep
Standing Where You Stood
There is a Tree
Who Got This Party Started
Who We Really Are
Alibi
Ara's Waltse
Hopkinsu
Thicker Thinner
U
A
Balkan Glance
Another Skinny
Balloud
16th Thing
Almost Tea
Sweet Pay
Despite Amnesia
If They Asked
Mickelodeous
Sco Ho Ho
Minute
Reason
Whack
Annapinana
Chance Beating
Thin Plan Sally
Krantzed
Quaalude for a Kiss
Hollandaze
Gone
You Must Believe In Xin
Schoo
Violin, violoncello, double bass, marimba, and percussion
XYZ
Wind ensemble
Pedals
3 horns + rhythm section
Missing
Lefty
Bag Groove
2 horns + rhythm section
Reason
Microstew
McPotsticker
Towson.pdq
Years
B Material
Big band
Quaalude for a Kiss
Miller Me Softly
China Dolls
Try Me
Thinner Dirge
String quartet and double bass solo
Yahoo
Double bass and 'cello
Bellow and Chase
Double bass and soprano
In Nomine Madre
Marimba and double bass
Bulgogi
Bibimbap
double bass solo
Webbed Feat
Administration/Service to the Institution
Susquehanna University (Fall 2006 - present)
- Faculty Scholarship and Development Committee chair 2008-11, 2013 - present
- Arts Events Committee 2015
- Faculty Scholarship and Development Committee 2007
- GO China, touring students in China, 16 days annually 2010-2014
- Arts Events Committee 2010-13
- University Conduct Board 2008-10
- Yoga/Wellness, Susquehanna University Athletics 2007-present
- Advising: 10 - 30 students per semester 2006-present
Music Department Committees
- Director of Orchestra Faculty Search 2014
- Recruitment Task Force 2011 - present
- Ear Training Task Force, chair 2010
- Recruitment 2008-10
- Ensemble Directors 2008-09
- Director of Choirs/Choral Faculty Search -hire of Dr. Rod Caldwell 2008
- Musicology/Organ Faculty Search -hire of Dr. Marcos Krieger 2007
Music Department Recruitment (annual events)
- SU H.S. Jazz Festival, , 2015, 2009 - 2012
- "Choosing the Right College"
- Fall Open Houses
- SU Music Department audition adjudication, 4-5 Saturdays each winter
- Arts in Action
Service at Towson University (Fall 2002 - Spring 2006)
- University Curriculum Committee, 2 semesters
- University Technology Committee, 4 semesters, 2 semesters as chair
- Department Rank Committee, 8 semesters
- Department Curriculum Committee, 4 semesters
- Department Executive Committee, 6 semesters
- Department Applied Instrumental Committee, 8 semesters
- Music Faculty Search (2 searches)Advising: 4 - 16 students per semester
- Student Activities, Kung Fu, 2003
Curriculum Development at Berklee College of Music (Fall 1996 - Spring 2002)
- Ensemble Curriculum (EN-200) Development Chair (1997-1999)
Curriculum Development at Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival (Summers of 1996-2009)
- Jazz course designs, coordinate jazz faculty (2000-2009)
Online Teaching Website
- RhythmMeterWorkshop.com 2013 - present
- Author/Owner
Grants
Brooklyn Arts Council, Loops 4 Choirs, Solo Voice and Improvising Bass 2015
Brooklyn Arts Council, Creative Systems at ShapeShifter Plus 2015
Susquehanna University Faculty Development & Research: Recording 2014
Producing/Recording EPK of original compositions
PennPAT
Accepted to the Pennsylvania Performing Artists on Tour roster 2011-2014
Subsidized concertizing
Susquehanna University Faculty Development & Research: Recording 2012
Producing/Recording EPK of original compositions
PennPAT
Audio/Video Recording Funding 2011
Susquehanna University Faculty Development & Research: Recording 2008
Producing/Recording CD of original compositions
Maryland State Arts Council Solo Performance 2003
CD Recording award for excellence in recorded performance
Fellowships/Residencies
UCross Foundation Composition Residency 2014
Japan Foundation Uchida Fellowship, Shamisen/Aikido/Japanese 2000
Awards
Lake Placid Institute, full scholarship 2000
Berklee Faculty Outstanding Achievement in Curriculum Development 1999
Television
Jerry Bergonzi Quartet, Yerevan, Armenia June 08
Radio
WVIA March 2015
KUAC July 2009
Known Garden CD, Joshua Davis Group, over 30 stations internationally 2009 - present
Courses taught:
- MUSC-007 String Lesson
- MUSC-008 String Lesson
- MUSC-023 Composition Lesson
- MUSC-024 Composition Lesson
- MUSC-078 Jazz Ensemble
- MUSC-079 Jazz Improvisation
- MUSC-101 Introduction to Music
- MUSC-102 A Study of Jazz
- MUSC-152 Survey of World Music
- MUSC-363 Theory V: Modality, Set Theory