Dr. Joshua Davis

Biography

Joshua Davis was appointed Director of Jazz Studies in Fall 2022 and joined the Penn State music faculty in 2018 as a lecturer teaching classical jazz double bass ensembles. Prior to this, he served as the Director of Jazz Studies at Susquehanna University from 2006 to 2018 and at Towson University from 2002 to 2006, where he contributed to curriculum development as one of the youngest faculty members at Berklee College of Music for six years. He has also been on faculty at the University of Maine at Augusta and has conducted numerous performance skills clinics at institutions such as USC, Berklee, and Koyo Conservatory in Kobe, Japan. His extensive experience includes adjudication roles for Maryland All-State Solo/Chamber and conference presentations on improvisation and jazz performance skills. His performances have gained international acclaim with concerts at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center, as well as collaborative works with notable artists and orchestras. Joshua's compositions have also been featured on recordings, showcasing his unique arrangements and contributions to contemporary jazz.

Research Interests