Jason Swagler
Office: Dunham Hall Rm 2132
(618) 650‑2355
jswagle@siue.edu
Saxophonist Jason Swagler is director of jazz studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A member of the faculty since 2000, his teaching duties have included private applied jazz saxophone, concert jazz band, lab band, combo, jazz history, music history, and music theory.
In 2004, a student of Jason's was selected as one of only two American finalists in The World Saxophone Competition held in London. In 2001, Jason's services were called upon when the wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney was learning to play the saxophone. He has also taught for Washington University, Southwestern Illinois College, and Greenville College. Jason is a product of the SIUE's Music Program, earning Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Jazz Performance, and Master of Jazz Performance degrees from the university.
For 13 years, Jason directed the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars, the premiere ensemble in Jazz St. Louis’ educational outreach program. Under his musical direction, the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars performed with internationally renowned artists such as Stefon Harris, Greg Osby, Greg Tardy, Sean Jones, Antonio Hart, Tia Fuller, and Terrell Stafford; and before concerts headlined by Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Ahmad Jahmal, and Wynton Marsalis. Former members of the All-Stars have gone on to perform professionally with Terrence Blanchard E-Collective, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Terrell Stafford, among others.
Jason also has an active career as a jazz saxophonist. He performs and records under his own name and as a sideman for numerous artists throughout the St. Louis area and beyond. Notable artists Jason has performed with include Joey Defrancesco, Byron Stripling, Michael MacDonald, Marilyn Maye, Dave Weckl, Anita Jackson, Denise Thimes, Regina Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Reggie Thomas, Montez Coleman, and Brian Owens. Jason has written numerous arrangements for artist projects. In 2021, Jason's arrangements were featured in "A New Holiday," a Christmas special that aired on PBS and included performances by Wynton Marsalis, Bebe Winans, David Sanborn, etc.
