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Hans Sturm Sturm is a talented double bassist, composer, and educator in great demand in the Midwest. He has performed in most major cities in the United States and has also appeared in Europe and Japan. His recorded and live performances have received exemplary reviews from Cadence Magazine, Jazz Times, International Society of Bassists Journal, and the Milwaukee Journal.
A native of Pennsylvania, Hans studied with Anthony Bianco of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Ferdinand Marresh of the Philadelphia Orchestra while in high school. He completed his undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Wisconsin at Madison studying with jazz virtuoso Richard Davis and received his doctorate from Northwestern University while studying with international concert artist Jeff Bradetich. Hans also studied composition with Stephen Dembski, Les Thimmig, and Don Owens.
Sturm's composition and performance credits demonstrate his exceptional versatility. Hans has performed his compositions at several International Society of Bassists Conventions: with the Fireflight Ensemble performing Sun Suite; with synthesist Joan Wildman performing Altered States of Bass; and with jazz vocalist Jackie Allen performing Landscape Suite. He has also appeared at National and International College Music Society Conferences and at the 1998 International Association of Jazz Educators Convention in New York City. Hans has also performed at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival, Isthmus Jazz Festival (Madison, WI) and the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Hans tours with two chamber groups. The Fireflight Ensemble features award-winning soprano Mimi Fulmer and percussionist Dane Richeson joining the gorgeous blended string sounds of the koto, performed by koto master Elizabeth Falconer, and the double bass. Their debut recording, "Bird of Prey," received high praise from the International Society of Bassists Journal and the Japan Times.
The Trinkle Brass Works Trio performs an eclectic mix of
repertoire from obscure light works from the 15th century to intricate rhythmic
20th century Latin American compositions arranged for trumpet, marimba, and
double bass. The trio has performed across the United States under the auspices
of the Arts Midwest and Western Arts touring programs.
As an improvising jazz artist, Hans has appeared with many international jazz artists across the spectrum of jazz and improvised music. Jazz singer Jackie Allen, stride pianist Dick Hyman, be bop clarinetist Eddie Daniels, avant garde multi-instrumentalist Roscoe Mitchell, synthesist Joan Wildman and drummers Alan Dawson, Jeff Hamilton, and Joe LaBarbera are among the great variety of jazz artists with whom Hans has performed. He has contributed performances and compositions to more than twenty recordings including the highly regarded Sturm Brother's album "Back Home."
A strong believer in cross-arts collaboration, Hans has contributed music to many projects including dance performances, poetry readings, theatre productions, inter-active art openings and performance art concerts.
Hans has also served as principal bassist and soloist with several regional orchestras including the Muncie Symphony, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and the Dubuque Symphony.
A dedicated and inspiring teacher, Hans has taught at several institutions including the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, Augustana College, and the National High School Music Institute of Northwestern University. He has also given master classes at many universities and is very active in supporting string education programs. Hans has written reviews and articles for the International Society of Bassists Journal and currently teaches at the Ball State University School of Music.
