Developing the Universal Musician at Boulder
With over three decades of experience as a performer, educator, conductor and administrator, College of Music Dean John Davis champions a holistic approach to musical education through a mission he calls “developing the universal musician.” Davis originally joined Boulder in 1999 as director of the jazz studies department. Following three associate dean roles from 2012 to 2020, he assumed the role of dean in January 2021. He discusses his musical background, career achievements and the issues within higher education that have inspired his leadership philosophy.
How did you get your start in music?
My musical journey began with the decision to pick up the trumpet in elementary school, which is reflective of how one small choice can change a person’s entire life.
I eventually joined my high school jazz band, which was led by a band director who regularly performed in shows and big-band gigs. And that came at a time when jazz musicians like Stan Kenton and Woody Herman were touring the nation. That exposure really inspired me, so I stuck with it.
What prompted your shift from music performance to education and leadership?
After earning my master’s degree in music, I found myself seeking a change. I realized that the life of a professional freelance musician lacked the stability I sought, particularly in terms of job security and benefits.
Reflecting on my family’s military history, with my father’s service in both World War II and the Korean War, and my grandfather’s tenure as one of the oldest soldiers in the army, I became curious about that experience. So I enlisted as an infantry soldier for two years.
During my service, I gained a deeper understanding of the educational backgrounds of my fellow soldiers, many of whom had very little education beyond a GED or a few years of college. This made me realize the power of education in expanding opportunities beyond people’s immediate circumstances.
That really solidified my commitment to education and prompted my return to academia to pursue a doctorate in trumpet performance and pedagogy, with an emphasis in jazz studies. But I wanted to play a more significant role in shaping music education, and that ultimately steered me toward administration.
What’s the basis of your leadership philosophy?
Most music institutions have traditionally offered two career paths for students: performance and education. While those tracks are still very valid, many students are now seeking out music careers that don’t necessarily fit into those two areas, such as arts administration and entrepreneurship, tour management, recording engineering, music copyright law or health and wellness in music.
For decades, students have had to find their way to these careers through mentorships, outside education, self-teaching or learning on the job. As the dean, I want to address the demand for additional career pathways.
This has led me to establish the concept of the universal musician — a leadership philosophy and strategy aimed at providing students with a wide range of experiences and training so they can meet the demands of today’s industry and be better equipped to find success and fulfillment in emerging fields.
How did the pandemic impact higher education?
The pandemic was by far the most influential factor in shaping my approach to leadership.
During the peak of COVID-19, one of our professors shared an impressive composition created by a recent graduate and performed by current and former Boulder students over Zoom. I was struck by the remarkable quality of the sound and presentation, despite each musician performing from their own little Zoom square. From technical setup to sound engineering and video editing, the project showcased a range of abilities beyond the traditional curriculum and allowed students to explore unique avenues of learning.
It also highlighted the skills and training that we as a college didn’t provide at the time — these students had to develop these skills independently. Since then, we’ve offered new badges, micro-credentials, certificate programs and interdisciplinary degree options to give students more agency in their education. With these new offerings, we hope to confirm the value and redefined relevance of higher education today.
How do diversity, equity and inclusion factor into your philosophy?
Many musicians seeking higher education face significant barriers due to a lack of early training or access to instruments, teachers and practice spaces.
Boulder’s goal is to create an environment of inclusive excellence where all aspiring musicians, regardless of their background, feel welcome, valued and supported. It’s an essential part of our mission to develop universal musicians who are equipped and empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What’s your favorite song?
The one song that always stops me in my tracks is Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” The lyrics mean everything: “Smile though your heart is aching; smile even though it’s breaking…although a tear may be ever so near, that's the time you must keep on trying.” Despite being released in 1936, its relevance persists, demonstrating the impact of music across generations.
What do you believe is music’s most significant impact on society?
Music is what makes us human. When something of great significance takes place, people turn to music. It can serve as a celebration of joyous occasions, but it’s also where we find comfort and understanding in times of darkness.
Music provides a platform for self-expression and helps us navigate the complexities of the world and our role within it. And that is crucial in today’s society, where the need for connection and empathy is paramount.
Photo by Matt Tyrie