John Savage

Alberto Vilar Global Fellow in the Performing Arts, Music Performance

John Savage, a native of Portland, OR, received his Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from Portland State University. While attending PSU, he studied classical flute with Dr. Marilyn Shotola and theory and composition with Tomas Svoboda.

Also an alto saxophonist, Mr. Savage performed in the PSU jazz ensemble under the direction of Dr. Charley Gray, and studied jazz improvisation with famed pianist and composer Andrew Hill. In 1991 John Savage was introduced to extended techniques through the Dutch flutist and composer Wil Offermans, and subsequently studied with Mr. Offermans in the United States and in Europe.

After graduation from PSU, John Savage earned his living as a free-lance performer and teacher for several years in the Pacific Northwest. In 1998 he toured with the original jazz-fusion band, Groove Revelation, whose self-released CD, The Arch Cape Sessions, was acknowledged by the Oregonian newspaper as one of the best local releases of that year. In 2000, Groove Revelation, released its second CD, Grindin'. Much of the material for Grindin' was composed by Mr. Savage. He has also performed in many other small jazz groups, including most recently in New York, The Savage 3, which performs original material written by Mr. Savage.

A gifted teacher, Savage has taught private lessons extensively to all ages, and has given workshops to middle school, high school, and university students. In the summer of 2001, he conducted a master class with the flute section of the Orquesta Sinfonia de Gaunajuato in Mexico.

John Savage moved to New York in the summer of 2000 to pursue a master's degree in music performance at NYU. He is currently a flute student of Keith Underwood and performs with the New Music and Dance Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Esther Lamneck. He has studied with Robert Dick. John Savage has been a featured member of the Andrew Hill Sextet 11 with performances at The Jazz Standard and Birdland jazz clubs. He has also performed at the Knitting Factory as well as Brooklyn's Up Over Jazz Café.