Hank Hehmsoth

Recent student comments:

"I have very much enjoyed my time studying with you during my masters program. I came in confident of my abilities as a jazz musician and composer, but you've helped me further solidify them, as well as teach me aspects that I was weaker in or had not considered yet. My understanding of jazz harmony and composition has grown significantly since our first lesson, and I will always value my time under your tutelage. Thank you for believing in me and for challenging me to be a better composer/orchestrator and musician."

"...the best teacher I have had throughout all of my degrees. His work ethic is tremendous. I have recommended him to the best students I know. He continually gave more time than was required in our meetings, and was never in a hurry to end the lesson."

"...He's very knowledgeable and seems to like what he does. That quality is hard to read in others."

"...This is the most fun class in the School of Music."

"Thanks again for the awesome class. Seriously, this is the most useful stuff I've encountered in my education thus far."

Quotes:

"Hank is different from the traditional composer because he's a working jazz man. He brings that "player's" perspective to what he writes whether it's a jazz work or classical work …some of the best jazz you'll hear around here, or anywhere else, for that matter."
John Bustin - Austin American Statesman

"... very loose and open to possibilities, he takes it to another level, writing, playing, his compositions continue to evolve and grow. I had a chance to play with Hank and hear some of his compositions as well. A very fine musician, indeed! He demonstrates a strong sense of originality and compositional craft."
Bob Mintzer - jazz saxophonist, composer - Yellowjackets