Staff - Jazz

Thomas Torstrup is a trained pianist and organist. He is responsible for Digital Jazz Studies, teaches ensemble, movement and hearing theory, as well as electives related to aural and improvisation.

Simen Kiil Halvorsen is the main instrument teacher on Trumpet. He is also the head of the jazz section together with Thomas Torstrup. Simen also teaches at the One Year Programme and DigJazz – Digital Jazz Studies. He is also the artistic director of Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble. Simen studied at The University of Stavanger and The Norwegian Academy of Music. Simen is an established musician who has participated and recorded on several recording. He has toured with a great number of projects both in Norway, and abroad. Read more about Simen Kiil Halvorsen here.

Stein Inge Brækhus is the main instrument teacher for percussion, ensemble and second instrument percussion.

Marius Neset has been appointed Professor II for a term of three years from 2021. His expertise will be an important contribution for the institution in jazz and improvisation, as well as in project work across genres. He is a Norwegian jazz saxophonist (tenor and soprano saxophone) and composer.

Tor Yttredal is the main instrument teacher on Saxophone . Furthermore he teaches History in music for both Bachelor and Master.

Svein Olav Herstad is the main instrument teacher on piano. He also teaches ensemble and electives related to aural and composition.

Anita Kaasbøll is the main instrument teacher on Vocal. She also teaches vocal ensemble. She was educated at the jazz department of the Music Performance Studies at NTNU in Trondheim. As a vocalist and composer, she works across genres such as jazz/improvised music, pop/rock and contemporary music. She also works with electronics to process and supplement the voice. Read more about Anita Kaasbøll here.

Wayne Brasel is the main instrument teacher on Gitar. He furthermore teaches ensemble.

Per Zanussi is the main instrument teacher on Bass. He furthermore teaches ensemble.

Theodor Barsnes Onarheim teaches didactics, jazz theory and ensemble at the faculty.

Petru Popa is a teacher on piano. He furthermore teaches ensemble and second instrument, and some subjects in jazz. He is also the study program leader of bachelor in music.

Petter Frost Fadnes is a teacher in music history and is responsible for the master's project - jazz. He is a trained saxophonist.

Vidar Kvamme Schanche is a Ph.D. student at the faculty.

Kristoffer Alberts is a Ph.D. student at the faculty. Kristoffer is a jazz musician and has done everything from acoustic American free jazz to European contremporary music.

Dag Magnus Narvesen is a Ph.D. student at the faculty.