Dr. Colleen Clark
Artist, Educator, Jazz Historian

About

Dr. Colleen Clark is the first and only drummer to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts from the world-renowned University of North Texas.

She is now an Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of South Carolina, where she coordinates small ensembles, conducts a big band, and teaches drum set studio and jazz history courses.

Clark is the founder and artistic director of USC’s Jazz Girls Day.

Research

Current research includes:

Doctoral Dissertation: “The Evolution of the Ride Cymbal Pattern from 1917-1941: An Historical and Critical Analysis”
#ClarkMeetsMonk: an ongoing research project that studies drummers that played with Thelonious Monk throughout his career. This work goes into depth on topics: ride cymbal patterns, comping styles, soloing, and vocabulary.

Media

Click through to see and hear performance videos, lectures, and more!

Latest Music

Photos

Contact Colleen

Questions?

Whether it's about booking Dr. Clark for a gig, inquiring about studying at the University of South Carolina, guest lectures at your school or university, conducting or group lectures on jazz history and/or JAZZ GIRLS DAY, inquire and the team will respond accordingly!

Dr. Colleen Clark Artist, Educator, Jazz Historian