Jazz Vibes Artist Spotlight: Patricia Julien

By Michael Benedict On Feb 7, 2022

Patricia Julien Professor, music theory and jazz composition

Patricia Julien is a Professor of Music at the University of Vermont, where she teaches courses in music theory, jazz composition and arranging, and jazz history. Before arriving at UVM, Ms. Julien taught at Skidmore College, George Washington University, and University of Maryland, College Park. She has presented her continuing research at the national conference of the Society for Music Theory, at regional New York State and New England SMT meetings, and, by invitation, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and various U.S. universities.

Memorable performances: Ms. Julien has appeared in concert at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and The Kennedy Center. Concert tours with Persian singer Dariush have included the eastern United States, Canada, and Europe. While living in New York City, she performed frequently at Birdland, The Knitting Factory, The New Music Cafe, CBGBs, and The 55 Bar, and has worked with such artists as Ari Hoenig, Ron Elliston, Atilla Engin, and Kenny Wessel.

Patricia Julien in the news:

4/13/21: Patricia Julien on musical collaboration, innovation, and emotion, UVM News
12/16/20: “As Of Then”: A Massive, Experimental, Creative Collaboration
3/19/18: “Professor of Music Patricia Julien presents spring Dean’s Lecture”
2/15/18: “Among the Hidden by Prof. Patricia Julien released on Navona Records”
11/11/15: Patricia Julien composes music for UVM’s production of Marat/Sade, Seven Days
2/28/15: “Caligula in Song,” Vermont Quarterly
9/26/05: “A Teacher’s Rhythm”, The View

PUBLICATIONS

Ms. Julien has published articles and reviews in Jazz Perspectives, Theory and Practice, Annual Review of Jazz Studies, Jazz Education Journal, and Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy. As a flutist, recordings include a CD as leader of the fusion band Fragile Zoe (Frame Problem, 2010) and two CDs as leader of the jazz quartet the Patricia Julien Project (Glee, 2006 and Still Light at Night, 2012). She composes works for mixed-voice choral ensembles, solo voice and piano, orchestra, contemporary chamber ensembles, small jazz combos, and big band. She also has written music for theatrical productions, including India Song by Marguerite Duras, Ostentatious Poverty by Rachel Perlmeter, Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, The Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman, and David Woods’ adaptation of The Witches by Roald Dahl. Several of Patricia’s works are published with Imagine Music Publishing.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award, Assistant Professor, 2006
Faculty Research Support Award, College of Arts and Sciences, 2009
Lattie F. Coor Award, College of Arts and Sciences, 2011 & 2012
Dean’s Fund Grant, College of Arts and Sciences, 2004 & 2008

Editor’s Note: Michael Benedict’s new recording 1-2-3 GO! will be released on Saturday, February 12. Patricia plays flute and alto flute on the album and also contributed two compositions to the effort.