Gavin Templeton was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved to Reno, Nevada at an early age. When he was five, Gavin began studying classical violin, but switched to the alto saxophone when he was eleven. It was while he was studying saxophone privately that his teacher introduced him to the music of Charlie Parker. Gavin felt an instant affinity with bebop music. He began to memorize Parker solos and perform them for friends, family and, later, at his teacher’s gigs, where he would be invited up to the bandstand to perform.

Gavin began his professional music career in his teens. He played with area musicians and visiting artists such as Wayne Newton and The Temptations. These experiences fueled his desire to continue studying music. He enrolled in the Jazz Studies program at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree.

Always curious, Gavin experimented playing in a variety of musical genres and contexts. During college he performed, recorded, and toured with high energy rock and funk groups. He views those years as a crucial part in his musical development. The electrifying music and emotions of rock and funk are integral to his performance style.

Gavin went on to receive a Master’s degree from the California Institute of the Arts where he focused on jazz composition and performance. In addition to jazz, he spent significant time studying Indian classical music, West African drumming, traditional Balkan music, and modern classical composition. That exposure lead him to join the Eastern European-influenced band, Plotz!, and co-create the experimental improvisation group Dr. Mint.

In addition to Plotz! and Dr. Mint, he fronts his jazz quintet, and is a member of the Vinny Golia Sextet. He has performed and/or recorded with Charlie Haden, Joe LaBarbera, Nels Cline, Larry Koonse, Darek Oles, the New Century Players, Butch Morris, Alfred Ladzekpo, Swapan Chaudhuri, Peter Epstein, David Rosenboom, daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra, The Temptations, and Wayne Newton, among many others.

As well as performing, Gavin is proactive with music education. He teaches privately, and runs master classes and clinics at a variety of academic institutions. He has taught clinics at Oakwood School in North Hollywood, the California State Summer School the Arts (CSSSA), Community Arts Partnership Summer Arts Program, Mesa College, in San Diego, California, and is an adjudicator for the annual Reno Jazz Festival in Nevada. Gavin feels that learning music should be readily available for all those who express an interest in it. Because of this belief, he devotes time teaching children from low income areas of Los Angeles that have had the unfortunate experience of having their school music programs terminated.

www.gavintempleton.com