Saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer William Hollifield was born and raised in Atlanta, GA.  While still early in his career, he has enjoyed a variety of experiences as a performer and composer.  He began his performance career playing at Carnegie Hall and on NPR’s From the Top at the age of just 16.  Highlights include domestic and international performances sharing the stage with artists such as Sublime, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, Nicholas Patyon, Kevin Mahogany, Dave Douglas, Eddie Daniels, Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, The Shadowboxers, Chantae Cann, Algebra, Eric Whitacre, Christopher Martin (Principal Trumpet – Chicago Symphony) and Chris Cauley of The Voice.

William is a member of several of Atlanta’s top nationally touring groups spanning many different genres.  As the saxophonist for the singer-songwriter Wesley Cook, William has opened for Santigold, Pat Benatar, and EOTO.  His progressive hip-hop group, Monkier, has opened for Snarky Puppy.  With Caitlin Andrews, he has recorded for and performed on Sundance Channel’s original series “Red Road”.

As a composer, William’s works have enjoyed both commercial and artistic success.  He has written and arranged for The Voice, The Shadowboxers, Jean Kelley, Indee Killed the Pop Star, and the Caitlin Andrews Band.  His big band arrangements have been debuted by the Lamont Jazz Orchestra and the ConArtists of Brisbane Australia where he also headlined the Queensland Jazz Festival.

William is one of the most sought after teachers in Georgia. Having taught privately for nearly a decade, he retains a studio of over fifty students and works constantly with Atlanta-area public and private schools leading sectionals and holding master classes and clinics.    His students routinely rank as some of the top students in the state as members of All State Band, Jazz Band, and Full Orchestra as well as attendees for Governor’s Honors Program.

Lesson topics include:

• Technical development
• Development of the jazz language
• Tonal concept and development
• Practice methodology
• Time feel
• Composition & arranging
• Transcription

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