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Marcus Elliot

 Marcus Elliot
Instructor of Jazz Saxophone
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies
University of Michigan
Master of Music, Improvisation

About Marcus

Multifaceted saxophonist and composer Marcus Elliot has emerged as one of the leading voices of the Detroit music scene. The New York Times has called him "convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone...", and the Detroit Free Press has said, "Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz." Elliot creates music with the hope of “reminding myself and listeners that we are human beings, and what a gift that is.” He is a recipient of the Kresge Fellowship (2020), awarded to artist that are recognized for their creative vision and commitment to excellence within a wide range of artistic disciplines. Elliot is instructor of jazz saxophone at Wayne State University and is director of the Creative Arts Orchestra at University of Michigan. Elliot has performed and/or collaborated with Terence Blanchard, Karriem Riggins, Talib Kwali, Marcus Belgrave, Brian Eno, Shigeto, Robert Hurst, Anthony Davis, Mulgrew Miller, and many others.

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I'm here to share this beautiful tradition of Black American Music that we call Jazz. Whether it's through playing or teaching, it is a living art that I am always happy to share with others.

  • Detroit Kresge Artist Fellow (2020)
  • Chamber Music Award recipient (2020)
  • Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra Fellow (2017)
  • Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Jazz Ensembles (2014-2021)
  • Cultural Ambassador for American Music Abroad (2014-2018)

B.M., Jazz Studies - College of Music at Michigan State University

M.M., Improvisation - School of Music Theater & Dance at University of Michigan