Johannes Wallman

Founders Fellow, Music Performance

Johannes Wallman brings a new personal meaning to the term “fusion jazz.” Born in Germany, raised on Canada's Vancouver Island where he took up classical piano and guitar, and now studying and performing in New York City, Johannes has managed to meld the primary experiences in his personal history into a distinct sound of music.

“My music combines and contrasts the sounds and surroundings of my homes,” he explains. “New York City's urban chaos meets the wide-open space of the rugged Canadian West Coast—with a touch of Teutonic sturm if not drang. I try to explore new ground, balancing harmonic complexity with an infectious groove and melodic introspection. And, of course, I try to play with energy and exuberance.”

When the young Johannes heard the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, he began exploring jazz improvisation, winning numerous awards at national jazz competitions. Deciding to pursue jazz full time, Johannes moved to Boston on a scholarship from the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

After graduating summa cum laude in 1995, Johannes moved to New York for his masters degree at NYU with artist-in-residence Jim McNeely in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.

Since coming to New York City, Johannes has performed frequently with his own group as well as with various other artists spanning a wide range of musical styles. His musical pursuits have encompassed acoustic chamber jazz and hard-hitting electric fusion, American spirituals, Cantonese pop music, and 20th century classical music.

In 1997, he formed his own quartet, the Johannes Wallman Group performing original acoustic jazz. The Group has been very active in New York and along the East Coast, playing at venues such as the Blue Water Grill, Park Avalon, the 55 Bar, Birdland, and many others.

Johannes began his Ph.D. studies as a Founders Fellow in Music Performance, with a concentration in jazz piano, in fall 2001.

The Founders Fellowship for Doctoral Study is a highly competitive and prestigious award for new Ph.D. candidates. Founders Fellows receive full tuition assistance for up to three academic years of full-time study, a generous yearly stipend as well as individual faculty mentoring. All full-time Ph.D. applicants who submit a completed application for admission by the January 15th deadline will automatically be considered for this fellowship.