Jason Waddell is a professor of music at LLCC and has been teaching music for two decades. He was a band director for 10 years, teaching grades 5-12, as well as adjunct faculty for Richland Community College. He has taught courses such as: songwriting, music technology, digital audio & sound design, recording, mixing, mastering, music appreciation, music composition, American music, humanities, improvisation jazz, class guitar, class piano, music theory and numerous performing ensembles.
Besides DMA coursework in music education at Boston University, Professor Waddell holds a double master’s degree in music composition/music theory with a concentration in music technology from Illinois State University. He also holds a double bachelor’s degree in vocal & instrumental music education from Millikin University.
Professor Waddell has served as guest conductor for several middle school, high school and college music ensembles. He plays bass guitar with a Jazz Combo called “Professional Development.” He enjoys playing with the Brick House brass quintet as well. He is the owner of Phrygian Frog, Phrygian Frog Publishers, and Phrygian Frog Records, and has been composing and publishing music for years.
He has had the opportunity through grants and commissions to compose, conduct and work with jazz and rock bands, orchestras, concert bands and choral ensembles. He is also a guest speaker for faculty professional development workshops as well as for student career days and classroom workshops. He has been an ASCAP member for many years and enjoys attending and presenting at music technology conferences. He has experienced many styles of music through the roles of conductor, educator, adjudicator, composer, arranger, performer, engineer and producer. He continues to live a life full of music and enjoyment with his three children.