Biography of Graham Collier

GRAHAM COLLIER's career spans three decades of innovation at the forefront of British jazz. He was the first British graduate of Berklee School of Jazz, Boston, and the first British jazz composer to receive a commission from the Arts Council. Composition, conducting, education and journalism have taken him around the world.

He has released fifteen albums and is the author of six books, including the highly-praised Interaction - Opening Up the Jazz Ensemble (Advance). As well as directing the jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music from its inception in 1987 until 2000, he has taught across north America, Europe, India and the Far East.

Until resigning from the Royal Academy of Music in 2000, he was secretary to the daily board the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) from its inception, and was editor and publisher of its magazine, Jazz Changes throughout its seven-year history. In 1987 he was awarded an OBE for his contribution to jazz.