Gary Motley: the Impact of Jazz on His and His Students’ Lives

In anticipation of the 2025 Valentine’s weekend edition of the annual Emory University Jazz Fest, we talked with Gary Motley, the founding director of Emory’s Jazz Studies program, which includes an annual Emory Jazz Fest, held this year from February 13-15 in the University’s Emerson Concert Hall. Parts of the interview can be found as a Q&A on the online music publication, EarRelevant; the entire interviews can be heard as Episode 51 of our podcast series, Music Life and Times.

On the podcast, Gary talks of his beginnings in music and jazz, associations with other revered musicians, and the upcoming Emory festival where he and his trio will be joined by tenor saxophonist David Sánchez for the festival’s feature concert on February 14. And as we are prone to do, we asked Gary to comment on our podcast theme, in this case how music has impacted his life and how learning to play music has impacted his students.

“Emory University being a liberal arts institution, students get an opportunity to experience various aspects of the arts, whether it’s their chosen discipline or something like medicine or business,” Motley said. “One of the things we’re finding is that students who participate in jazz often excel in things like leadership skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, and developing other ancillary tools we need to thrive in society in general, and especially in our chosen areas of focus. And there are studies that corroborate that.

“There’s also the aesthetic side, and that’s being able to really enjoy the music and experience it. We have different ways of doing that. There are those who are not necessarily performers but an audience who wants to hear good music. And there’s nothing like hearing an ensemble that’s really tied in and giving a wonderful presentation.

“As a performer, it can also just be a thrilling experience to be a part of the music making. That was what drew me to the music many years ago. And still is the guiding force for me. I enjoy teaching and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience. But there’s always still that spark of nothing quite like being on the bandstand and being part of the music making. It’s always been very gratifying, and just a wonderful way to share my talents and my gifts with others, both on the bandstand and off.”