Impact on the Jazz Community and Music Education

“Professor Jeppesen is a world-class musician and along with international experience as a performer, he has a passionate dedication to creating opportunities for professional musicians, MSU-B students, and the Billings music community. In speaking with all of the Billings Band Directors and musicians, it is evident that Professor Jeppesen is extremely well respected and has made an immediate impact on the music education and jazz community.”
“The success of an institution depends greatly on faculty such as Professor Jeppesen setting an example both on and off campus. It is apparent to me that Scott is dedicated to his craft as well as music education. You are fortunate to have Scott Jeppesen on your faculty.”
— Rob Tapper, Professor of Trombone and Director of Jazz Studies, The University of Montana School of Music

Peer Evaluations

The following evaluations reflect my commitment to providing engaging, high-quality instruction, and my ability to connect with students through a range of subjects.

Evaluation of “Music History I” (MUSI 301)

“It is often easy to view music, art, and philosophy as timeless creations, disconnected from specific historical contexts and uninformed by localized pressures. Dr. Jeppesen’s pedagogical approach of grounding Mozart’s life and compositions in multiple contexts impressed upon students the density of musical creation but also the accessibility of an unfamiliar discipline like history. Throughout the hour-long class, every student responded to his queries or offered their own. It is clear that students feel comfortable in Dr. Jeppesen’s classroom and are appropriately challenged.”
— Dr. Joseph D. Bryan, Assistant Professor, Department of History, MSU Billings

Evaluation of “Intro to Music Business” (MUSI 494)

“Dr. Jeppesen delivered his content in a very digestible and professional manner, with occasional tidbits of humor, keeping the students engaged at all times. Some of the music students in this class are already composing and recording, hoping to place music in commercials and record albums, so this material was very important to them. Musicians in any field should have the information delivered in this class, including classroom teachers, for it offers methods for alternative income for those already composing and arranging at any level.”
— Professor John Roberts, Music Department Chair, MSU Billings

Evaluation of “Music History II” (MUSI 302)

“It is my opinion that Dr. Jeppesen is a highly skilled teacher with a wealth of knowledge to share. The joy of teaching that manifests itself in his classroom is an inspiration to the students, I am sure. The Music Department and the University are very fortunate to have him on the faculty.”
— Dr. Mark Fenderson, Co-Chair, MSUB Department of Music

Evaluation of “Orchestration” (MUSI 440)

“The class atmosphere during this introductory section of the class was relaxed, and there was a sense of camaraderie in the room. All seven students in the class asked questions or made suggestions at some point. Work was getting accomplished... I admired what I would call an atmosphere of pre-professionalism that Dr. Jeppesen had established in the class, the sense that the students were practicing skills that they would later use in their professional lives.”
— David Craig, Honors Program Director, MSU Billings Peer Evaluator

Evaluation of "Commercial Arranging" (MUSI 432)

“Dr. Jeppesen's ability to create an engaging and professional learning environment was evident from the very beginning of the class. His rapport with students was clear, as they felt comfortable asking questions and offering comments. The quality and amount of work assigned was impressive, demonstrating Dr. Jeppesen's dedication to delivering a high-quality, comprehensive course. His instructional style was clear, informative, and responsive, allowing students to understand and apply arranging techniques in real time. As someone who does not possess a deep background in music, I found his teaching both impressive and accessible. He has a talent for connecting with students and providing a highly professional, respectful, and engaging experience.”— Dr. Matt Queen, Assistant Professor of Physics, Montana State University Billings

Collaborative Projects and Performances

My collaborations with various ensembles, particularly with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective, have contributed significantly to the jazz community, offering enriching experiences for musicians and audiences alike.

Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective and Community Engagement

“Scott has the incredible gift of being able to bring together musicians to create not only a high level of musicianship but also provide a mentorship opportunity for younger musicians. Scott gathered both local professionals and international artists from all over the West Coast for this performance. Placing these artists next to each other, in addition to current students at MSU-Billings, created a holistic educational experience for all involved.”
— Rob Tapper, Professor of Trombone and Director of Jazz Studies, The University of Montana School of Music

“Dr. Jeppesen has become invaluable to the Billings Symphony with his creation and direction of the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective. He has put MSU-B students and faculty front and center in the community, featuring their talents and hard work at numerous events. He is creative, collaborative, and connected to the MT music community through his compositional work, teaching, and direction, as well as his own musical skill and performance schedule.”
— Amy Schendel, Fine Arts Education Coordinator, Billings Public Schools

Educational Impact

As an educator, I have sought to inspire and support students across all levels, contributing to their growth as musicians and lifelong learners.

“Thank you so much for coming to work with the Will James Jazz Band. My students loved their time with you, and it was so good for them to hear some tips from another teacher. You had a great sense of humor with them, and I could tell instantly that they were taking it all in. Thank you for your avid and continued support of our Will James Music students and students throughout our great state! We are so grateful that you have decided to make Montana your home!”
— Erin Grummett, Director of Bands, Will James Middle School

Colleague Testimonials

My work has consistently garnered the respect and admiration of colleagues, as reflected in the testimonials below.

“Scott is the finest saxophonist in the region. He is the first-call saxophonist for some of the excellent ensembles in Wyoming and Montana. Scott is also a great collaborator in performance settings as well. I always look forward to performing with Scott, and I know the product will be excellent when his name is in the program.”
— Zach Paris, Assistant Professor of Music Instrumental Music/Percussion Studies, Northwest College

“Dr. Jeppesen brings a distinctive constellation of skills as a scholar, music professional, and educator to the art, craft, and science of teaching. His artistic integrity in multiple musical styles and media is highly respected in the professional music community, and this work powerfully reflects on the MSUB Department of Music.”
— Eric Richards, Director of Bands and Jazz Studies, Sheridan College

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