Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller (b 22, Nov 1925) studied at the St. Thomas Choir School and became an accomplished horn player. He has conducted internationally and studied Jazz and recorded jazz with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and John Lewis. He has been credited for coining the term Third Stream, a style of jazz, which combines classical and jazz techniques. Shuller has authored over 160 original compositions and has been the recipient of many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize a MacArthur Foundation "genius" award (1991); the William Schuman Award (1988), given by Columbia University for "lifetime achievement in American music composition"; and ten honorary degrees.