Three-time Grammy Award-Winning Artist Johnaye Kendrick Joins UMD as Director of Jazz Studies

The acclaimed vocalist said she will expand programming and deepen interdisciplinary collaboration across the University of Maryland.

By TJ Wagman ’20

Multi-Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, director and educator Johnaye Kendrick will join the University of Maryland School of Music (SOM) as director of Jazz Studies this fall.

Kendrick plans to expand programming and deepen interdisciplinary collaboration across the University of Maryland. She said she hopes to continue to elevate the program while preparing students to be skilled musicians and “thoughtful, expressive artists capable of contributing meaningfully to the evolving landscape of music.”

“I am most excited by the combination of the people and the possibilities,” said Kendrick. “The students are exceptionally talented, the faculty is deeply engaged and the institution itself offers extraordinary resources.”

Distinguished as both an educator and academic leader, Kendrick most recently served as chair of music at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, where she was a member of the faculty since 2010. Over the course of her tenure, she played a central role in shaping curriculum, mentoring students and advancing the department’s artistic vision.

Kendrick developed innovative coursework, such as “Black Music Matters,” which situates musical traditions within their social, political and cultural contexts. She also created ensembles focused on modern Afro-pop, jazz standards and interdisciplinary vocal practices. Classically trained as a vocalist, violinist and pianist, and working as a multi-instrumentalist, Kendrick brings a broad and nuanced musical foundation to her work. Her artistic practice spans performance, composition and collaboration across jazz and related genres.

In 2024, Kendrick and the other members of jazz vocal ensemble säje received a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals, for their collaboration with Jacob Collier, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” They also received a Grammy in 2025 in the same category for their song “Alma,” and again most recently in 2026 for “Big Fish,” a collaboration with drummer Nate Smith.

In addition to her performance career, Kendrick is an active recording artist and founder of the independent label johnygirl, through which she releases original compositions and reimagined works.

SOM Director Jared Rawlings called Kendrick a “powerhouse in the jazz world,” and said her arrival marks a celebratory milestone for the School of Music.

“Her vision, artistry and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our jazz program and broader musical community,” he said.

Kendrick holds a Master of Music in jazz studies from Loyola University New Orleans and an Artist Diploma from the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. To learn more about Johnaye Kendrick’s work, please visit her website.