Department of Performing and Fine Arts

Education

D.M.A. in Theory/Composition, Secondary Area in Jazz Pedagogy , University of Northern Colorado 
M.M. in Theory/Composition, California State University at Los Angeles
B.M. in Performance/Jazz Studies, California State University at Los Angeles

Biography

Dr. Finn has been active in jazz education since 1984.  Before coming to FSU in 2004, Dr. Finn taught jazz studies at Santa Ana, Fresno and Cabrillo Community Colleges in California, University of Arizona in Tucson, and California State University at Long Beach. He is an active member of the Jazz Education Network, the North Carolina Music Educators Conference and the International Trombone Association.

His professional credits include arranging for jazz artists such as Manhattan Transfer, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous and Nick Brignola. Collegiate and high school jazz ensembles perform his original compositions nationally. Walrus Music Publications of California, UNC Jazz Press of Colorado and Sierra Music Publications in Washington currently publish Dr. Finn. The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra performed his original composition, “Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra,” in 2007. 

In addition to directing jazz ensembles at Fayetteville State University, Dr. Finn directs the Raleigh Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble of professional musicians associated with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra. In 2008, Dr. Finn became involved in re-establishing the Fayetteville Jazz Orchestra. This community jazz band is a regionally based ensemble of jazz educators and enthusiasts that perform at events throughout the Fayetteville area.  

Neal Finn
Associate Professor
Director of Jazz Ensemble
Brass

Office: Rosenthal Building, Room 118
Phone: 672-1397
Email: nfinn@uncfsu.edu