Research & TEACHING
In February of 2020, Vollbrecht presented parts of his research at the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie. In the context of the prestigious Reflektor-Artist Residency curated by Manfred Eicher, Vollbrecht also gave a pre-talk to concerts by ECM artists Egberto Gismonti and Avishai Cohen.
Timo Vollbrecht conducts research in the areas of music production, improvisational interaction, and artistic citizenship. Drawing from his artistic background, he brings an insider’s perspective to investigate creative processes. His methodological considerations root in interpretivism and naturalistic inquiry. Since September 2022, he has been appointed as Director of Jazz Studies at Brown University in Rhode Island.
Vollbrecht holds a Ph.D. from New York University in the field of jazz studies. His dissertation examines the craft of Manfred Eicher, one of history’s most influential record producers and founder of ECM Records. Over the course of 15 months, he observed Eicher record jazz albums with groups led by Joe Lovano, Mats Eilertsen, and Ralph Alessi. These studio recordings took place in New York, France, and Switzerland. Enriched by responsive interviews with Eicher and the participating ECM musicians, the study conveys a rich mosaic of the producer as auteur. Eicher is a unique artist and improviser whose ‘instrument’ is the recording studio. Using the narrative device of layering, Vollbrecht provides the reader with a vicarious experience of what it is like to work with Eicher in the recording studio. The study depicts pre-production, recording, and post-production stages and demonstrates how the producer’s engagement in collaborative creativity leads to seminal artistic results. The study analyzes Eicher’s approach to recording and discusses his aesthetic philosophy. Moreover, Vollbrecht argues how innovative strategies such as alert listening, miking the individual player versus their instrument, conducting “Raumkunst” (spatial design), and placing an emphasis on the concepts of air and luminosity distinguish the work of a “silent giant.” For the first time, Eicher has offered a rare glimpse into his creative process. Currently, Vollbrecht is working on a monograph.
Vollbrecht believes in the unique opportunities that arise from marrying artistic practice with academic thinking and critical reflection to better understand the artistry of 21st century-musicians. As the new Director of Jazz Studies and Lecturer in Music at Brown University, he attempts to bring these insights into the academic classroom. Here, he leads the Brown Jazz Band, teaches seminars in improvisation, theory, jazz history, and composition, i.a.
TEACHING
Timo Vollbrecht is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Brown University in Rhode Island (USA). He leads the Brown Jazz Band, teaches seminars in improvisation, composition, theory, and history, and oversees the department’s jazz program and activities. Before that he, was on the music faculty at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions where he taught Jazz Saxophone, Jazz Theory & Ear Training, Keyboard Skills, i.a.
His teaching roots in a praxial philosophy that centers on the notion of music as a practice that is situated in mutually reinforcing social, artistic, ethical, and educational contexts. Hence, he develops musical excellence in reflective music-makers and listeners. Through rigorous artistic training coupled with critical reflection on the multidimensionality of music, he helps students mature as artists and teachers. His ultimate goal is for students to develop the techniques and perspectives necessary to become their own teachers in order for them to independently propel their art forward in a 21st century that holds opportunity and excitement.
