“Fred Sturm’s music as well as his educational philosophy reflect who he is. He lives, composes, and teaches in a path of high creative standards backed by masterful knowledge and musical techniques. Additionally, he has enabled a lot of students and peers to achieve their dreams along the way.”

“I met Fred Sturm years ago and was immediately impressed with his ability as a teacher… a sort of modern day Pied Piper. I was bowled over when I recently discovered what an excellent writer Fred is. He handles an orchestra the way we handle our limbs. He “makes” it do whatever he desires. Not every writer can boast of this. I find his writing and composing challenging. Enough so to make me go home and check what I’m doing these days. Would that the world had more Fred Sturms. ”

“Fred is truly a great educator, composer, and arranger. I have known Fred for 30 years and his unique blend of classical and jazz elements in his arrangements and compositions put him in a special class of elite professional writers. Fred is also at the top of my list for jazz educators in the entire country. He has an in-depth, diverse knowledge of music and knows how to relate to any age student from beginner to advanced.”

“Fred Sturm is one of the many great jazz artists featured with the Klüvers Big Band during the ensemble’s 26-year history. Everybody in the group agrees that Fred is the best conductor we have ever worked with. A great arranger in the American jazz tradition, Fred has renewed the art of writing for big band. He has made it possible for jazz ensembles all over the world to present repertoire that sounds so different from music normally associated with big bands.”

“After knowing Fred Sturm for 30 years he continues to inspire me as a composer, arranger, and teacher. Whether he is writing for young musicians or professional players, his skills and creativity are only matched by his musicality and integrity.”

“Fred is a warm, generous, and positive person. He has all those great human qualities that are so important when you teach, communicate, and work with other people. I have seen him in action with his students where he always manages to being out the best. Fred is not just a good teacher; he is a great composer and arranger. He has a profound knowledge about writing that he shares through his music, teaching, and books. I am honored and thankful to have him as a friend. ”

“Fred has many roles to play— administrator, teacher, band leader, and author (Changes Over Time: The Evolution of Jazz Arranging— what a great book!). And he’s first-rate at all of them. He is also a major force in supporting contemporary big band composition, through both his commissions and his writing. He has a wonderful family, and if the Cubs would ever win the World Series his life would be complete!”

“Fred’s residency has been a great lift to our jazz program. His charts are innovative and creative and they stretch the boundaries of the modern jazz ensemble. He is an extremely knowledgeable musician, the consummate jazz educator and complete professional with an easy-going but driving spirit. His visit was a positive and extremely informative experience, and his infectious love of music, jazz, and jazz education has energized my students and our program. Fred’s impact on my students is evident in their references to his clinics and the knowledge that they gained from his time here. ”

“What a wonderful writer! His music is smartly crafted, full of power, rich with sensitivity and alive with personality.”

“I know Fred Sturm as an inspiring musician, teacher, writer and clinician. His literary efforts such as Changes Over Time: The Evolution of Jazz Arranging and his meticulous work as the editor for the collected works of Maria Schneider and Kenny Wheeler are truly outstanding. He simply brings the reader inside the music he loves, and helps to resolve the questions raised by the music. His books are on the required reading list for all of my students. ”

“Fred is the consummate artist-educator. A truly unique voice in jazz composition and arranging, Fred is equally comfortable writing for everyone, from beginners to professionals. No matter what the level, the music is always fresh and innovative. These skills carry over into his conducting and teaching, where I have observed him working with students of all ages. I never cease to be amazed at how much music is made, and how positive he makes the students feel during and after the performance. There are very few teachers that take such intense interest in the well-being of their students, and yet have world-class chops and continue to develop themselves as artists. Fred is the standard by which all of us in the jazz education business should be judged.”

“I feel so fortunate to know and to have had opportunities to work with Fred Sturm. He is unique and extraordinary— as a writer, educator, and person. His music is compelling and innovative, cutting new directions in the genre of large jazz ensemble music that are desperately needed and appreciated. His library includes charts that are written creatively for musicians at all levels of experience, and Fred’s tunes are always among my high school students’ favorite compositions each year. Not only is he an expert conductor and clinician, again able to inspire students of every age and skill level, but he is also a champion for teachers— a wonderful advocate for music education “in the trenches.” Beyond these accomplishments is an engaging and thoughtful personality, marked by both humor and humility. I consider Fred Sturm a major force in the field of jazz education, and a highly influential figure in my own development as an educator. ”