BIO
Myles Boothroyd is a performing saxophonist, teacher, and music scholar. At home in the various realms of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, he enjoys diverse concert programming that crosses the boundaries of nations, cultures, and musical traditions. Boothroyd serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he oversees a thriving studio of saxophone soloists, quartets, and the student-led ensemble SaxPoint. He is the soprano/alto saxophonist for Generation Quartet, a Wisconsin-based chamber ensemble that presents recitals and clinics throughout the Midwest.
Boothroyd is active in the international saxophone community as a performer and collaborator. He served on the 2023 NASA Biennial Conference Programming Committee and has earned top national prizes in the Music Teachers National Association Solo and Chamber Music Competitions, the North American Saxophone Alliance Collegiate Solo Competition, and the Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition. He gave the world premiere of Joel Martinson’s Triptych Fantasy for the 2019 Convention of the Organ Historical Society in Dallas, Texas, for which he was one of the work’s dedicatees.
Along with maintaining an active performing career, Boothroyd distinguishes himself as a researcher and scholar. He is editor of The Saxophone Symposium, a peer-reviewed journal and the premier saxophone-related publication in the US. His articles have been published in Nota Bene and in The Eastman Case Studies, and he has shared original research at conferences throughout North America.
Boothroyd teaches applied saxophone, chamber music, music theory, and jazz ensemble at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also serves as Associate Director of the Very Young Composers of Central Wisconsin, an innovative experience through which elementary students collaborate with college music majors to compose original music. He formerly served as Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. Boothroyd holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance and literature, a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance and literature, and a Master of Arts degree in music theory pedagogy from the Eastman School of Music. He holds the Eastman Arts Leadership Certificate, Eastman Performer’s Certificate, and the University of Rochester’s Edward Peck Curtis Award for excellence in teaching by a graduate student. Boothroyd received his Bachelor of Music Education degree, with emphases in instrumental music and secondary mathematics education, from Central Michigan University. His primary teachers have been John Nichol and Chien-Kwan Lin.
Research Interests
- Music Theory Pedagogy
- Contemporary Music Business
- Jazz Improvisation and Pedagogy
Honors and Awards
- UWSP Excellence in Teaching Award (2020)
- Eastman School of Music Edwards Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018)
Professional Experience
- Editor of The Saxophone Symposium (2022–present)
- Assistant Editor of The Saxophone Symposium (2013–2021)
- International Saxophone Academy, guest lecturer and administrator (2020–2022)
- Interlochen Arts Academy, guest lecturer and clinician (2020)
Publications
Campus Involvement
- UWSP Jazz Festival clinics (2019–present)
- UWSP Honor Band clinics (2019–present)
- UWSP STEAM Point Days (2018–2019)
- Director of SaxPoint (UWSP saxophone ensemble) (2019–present)
Community Involvement
- Associate Director, Very Young Composers of Central Wisconsin (2019–present)
Professional Memberships
- National Association for Music Education (2012–present)
- North American Saxophone Alliance (2010–present)
- Wisconsin Music Education Association (2018–present)
I love the positive, productive, and energetic atmosphere in the UWSP Music Department! I love the “breakthrough” moments when students see their hard work pay off in the form of a long-desired accomplishment. These moments are mutual successes for the student, teacher, and field as a whole. Remember the passion that brought you to music and hang onto that feeling each day.
Myles Boothroyd