Jazz Studies Program

Welcome to the Jazz Studies Page. Our Jazz Program is geared towards the student who desires an in-depth study of the jazz idiom. The curriculum is designed to prepare them not just to transfer to a four-year institution, but to enter the professional music community.

 

CURRICULUM

Courses

 

A certificate program in Jazz Studies is forthcoming.

 

Students interested in the Jazz Studies Program should contact Derek Cannon at derek.cannon@gcccd.edu and Melonie Grinnell at melonie.grinnell@gcccd.edu

 

Faculty: Derek Cannon, Director of Jazz Studies/Music Department Co-Chair/Jazz Ensemble Director

 

Derek is a versatile musician who is at home performing a variety of musical styles from Jazz, Latin, Funk, Soul, R & B, Reggae, and Rock.
He has performed with a host of San Diego-based groups, including the San Diego Symphony, ” Monette Marino's "World Music Ensemble," Joe Garrisons “Night People,” the “Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra, and the “Palladium Mambo Orchestra," to name a few.

 

He also leads his own Jazz Quintet focusing on artists from the Blue Note label. Over the past fifteen years, he has appeared on over thirty recordings as a horn arranger and studio musician.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. During his time at SDSU, he won several soloist awards at jazz festivals throughout the state.

 

In 2014, Derek was featured in “The Black in Crimson and Black,” A History of African-Americans at San Diego State University.

 

Derek chaired the Jazz Studies Department at Chicago State University from 1995 to 1999 and is currently a member of the Jazz studio faculty at San Diego State University.
In addition to his teaching duties at Grossmont College and SDSU, Derek has directed Honor Jazz Bands for the San Diego Unified, Sweetwater, and Grossmont High School Districts. For the past fourteen years, he's been a faculty member of the Francis Parker Summer Jazz Workshop.

 

Derek's recordings include, "Going Home," with Walter Beasley, 2019, "Straight from the Harp," with Smooth Jazz Harpists Marie Antoinette, 2018, "Hoy," with Lorena Isabell, 2017, "The People Upstairs," with Joe Garrison and Night People, 2016, "All About Love," with Debora Galan, 2016, “I’m Back,” with Walter Beasley, 2015, “Meditations,” with Grant Clarkson, 2012, The Styletones, 2012, “Coup d’ Eclat,” with Monette Marino, 2010, “From Me to You,” with Paula Prophet, 2010, “Free Your Mind,” with Walter Beasley, 2009, “Destiny.” With Kamau Kenyatta, - 2008, and “Come On Over”, with Allison Adams Tucker,” 2008.

Awards
California Music Educators Association – College/University Music Educator Award 2022
Best of East County Teaching Award - 2017
So Cal Jazz Society Jazz Artist of the Year - 2015
Who's Who Among America's Teachers - 2009
Grossmont College - Excellence in Teaching Full-Time Faculty - 2007

 

Melonie Grinnell, Jazz Studies, Piano, Piano Performance Studies

 

Melonie Grinnell is Assistant Professor of Music and Co-Chair of the Music Department at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California, where she has served on the faculty for over 25 years. As an educator, pianist, and vocalist, she is dedicated to supporting student success through high-quality instruction, mentorship, and the development of engaging, student-centered curricula.

 

At Grossmont College, she directs the Piano Program, teaching class piano for music majors, applied jazz and classical piano, and weekly piano masterclasses. She also directs the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. As Co-Chair of the Music Department, she is involved with curriculum development, departmental planning, faculty collaboration, and initiatives that support student success and strengthen the college's music programs.

 

Grinnell holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Jazz Emphasis from the University of Miami and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. Her teaching is informed by a diverse professional background spanning jazz, classical, musical theater, commercial music, and collaborative performance, providing students with the versatility and practical skills needed to succeed in today's evolving musical landscape.

 

An active performer, Grinnell maintains a career as a jazz pianist and collaborative artist. She leads her own jazz trio, performs with vocal and instrumental ensembles throughout Southern California, serves as a substitute keyboardist with the San Diego Symphony, and collaborates as an accompanist for collegiate and pre-professional classical musicians.

 

In addition to her teaching and performance activities, Grinnell is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator. She presents masterclasses and workshops in jazz piano, improvisation, and ensemble performance for organizations including the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC), the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, and the Oceanside Jazz Festival. Through her teaching, leadership, and artistic practice, she is committed to preparing students to become versatile, creative, and collaborative musicians.

 

Justin Grinnell, Jazz Studies, Music Theory, Double Bass

 

Justin Grinnell is a jazz bassist, educator, and long-time member of the Grossmont College Music Department. Since joining the faculty in 2005, he has taught a wide range of courses, including Music Fundamentals, Music Theory, Ear Training, Jazz History, and Jazz Combo Performance. He is passionate about helping students develop strong musicianship, critical listening skills, and a deeper understanding of music, whether they are pursuing careers in music or studying it as part of a broader education.

 

In addition to his work at Grossmont College, Grinnell serves as Adjunct Professor of Music at the University of San Diego, where he directs the Jazz Ensemble and teaches applied bass and small-group performance. He also serves as Ensemble Director at Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, working with developing musicians in collaborative ensemble settings. Beyond the classroom, he is a frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest artist for schools, festivals, and music programs throughout San Diego County.

 

As a professional bassist, Grinnell performs regularly on acoustic and electric bass in jazz, orchestral, and musical theatre settings. He has appeared with numerous ensembles and artists, including the Danny Green Trio, LP And The Vinyl, and Peter Sprague, bringing decades of real-world performance experience into his teaching.

 

Grinnell holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University and completed doctoral coursework (ABD) in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. He is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages students to grow as musicians, scholars, and lifelong learners.

 

For more information about Justin Grinnell's performance, recording, and educational activities, visit the Justin Grinnell website.

 

Office: 230-I (By appointment only)

E-Mail: justin.grinnell@gcccd.edu