About Grant Teeple
A passion since middle school, Grant's pursuit of music was an easy decision. In May 2020, Grant received his Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies. In addition to his main instruments - saxophone and vocals - Grant is also a proficient guitar, flute, and clarinet player. Before moving to Austin, TX Grant was the top call saxophonist in Tallahassee for small group jazz and led the scene as a funk horn section leader for Tallahassee Nights Live, Bay Kings, and Seep's Gumbo Madness. In addition to being a fantastic musician, Grant is also an avid teacher, holding a studio of 5-10 recurring students for the last three years.
Education
Grant received his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, an institution led by the renowned bassist, Rodney Whitaker. While at MSU, Grant studied not only with his main professor, Diego Rivera, but also with Etienne Charles, Randy Napoleon, Xavier Davis, Michael Dease, and Randy "Uncle G" Gilespie. He had many opportunities to play with and learn from some of the current greats of the music, and toured Japan with MSU's Flagship Ensemble. in 2020, Grant was a part of the Ensemble that placed 3rd at the Jack Rudin Collegiate Jazz Competition.
Grant then proceeded to Tallahassee, FL, where he received his Master's Degree in Jazz performance from Florida State University. At FSU, Grant honed his teaching skills, teaching a combo, large jazz ensemble, lessons and a beginner improvisation class. He studied under Dave Detweiler, Leon Anderson, Kevin Jones, Bill Peterson, Rodney Jordan, and Marcus Roberts.
CURRENT LIFE
In May of 2023, Grant moved to Austin, TX in pursuit of the flourishing jazz scene. He also accepted a job teaching at Huston-Tillotson University this coming school year. Here he will be working closely with the director, Dr. Jeremy George to prepare students for collegiate competitions, performances around the city, and life as a musician post-college. In his short time in Austin Grant has already become a member of the jazz community, performing as a sideman and leader in several of the cities top jazz clubs.