BIO

Dr. Colin Walters is a saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator who performs regularly in a wide variety of genres and ensembles throughout the New York metropolitan area. He leads his own quartet, quintet, and trio and is a co-founder of the Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Dr. Walters has performed at notable venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Capitol Theatre, Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, Smalls Jazz Club and Lincoln Center. Most notably, he has studied under and been mentored by some of the most renowned musicians of our time including Wynton Marsalis, Bruce Williams, Donald Vega, David DeJesus, Greg Case, Earl MacDonald, and John Mastroianni. Dr. Walters holds Pre K-12 teaching certifications in Connecticut and New York and has taught instrumental and general music in the Connecticut and New York City public schools.

He is an active clinician and performer advocating music and its importance to the next generation of musicians. Through performance, education, and diverse community engagements, he strives to inspire others to appreciate the cultural aesthetic experiences of music. Dr. Walters holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies, a B.S. in Music Education, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the NEAG School of Education, University of Connecticut. In June 2021, Dr. Walters completed his M.M. in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School as a Morse Teaching Artist Fellow, Gluck Community Service Fellow, Samuel L. Jackson, Jr. and Irene Diamond Scholarship recipient. Most recently, he earned his Ed.D in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Walters is currently an Elementary and Jazz Lab Band Director in the Darien Public Schools and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Connecticut.