College Program Alumnus Davy Mooney brings worldwide experience to the classroom

Jazz guitarist and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance graduate Davy Mooney is off to a solid start with his engagement as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. Mooney recently was profiled in the North Texas Daily, which highlighted his uniquely international background as a musician and educator, noting, “Between international guitar competitions, tours in South America and a Japanese record label, Davy Mooney has had quite the worldly experience in music.”

Mooney, who was a finalist in the 2005 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition and a member of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Class of 2009, appears to be applying this experience admirably in his new position. “Davy has been a fantastic addition to the jazz program,” said one student. “He has a very deep understanding and appreciation for the tradition of jazz. His depth of knowledge is so inspiring.” Another student shared, “He is an amazing player with a special ability to notice what aspects students should work on in order to advance to the next level…He’s also very enthusiastic about everything that is happening in school and with his students.”

The Jazz Studies Department at the University of North Texas is widely acknowledged as one of the top programs of its kind in the world, and was the first university in the United States to offer a jazz studies degree. Its renowned One O’Clock Lab Band has served as an early proving ground for Bob Belden, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Giuffre, Conrad Herwig, Ari Hoenig, and many others who have gone on to become leading jazz musicians. With the addition of Mooney – who is himself a graduate of the UNT program – to the faculty, we are certain this number will continue to grow.

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