Professor, Conservatorium Maastricht (The Netherlands)

Specializations: Jazz Saxophone, Big Band Section, Band Leadership, Saxophone

Quartet, Applied Theory Combos, Jazz Harmony, Junior Jazz Department, and Master

Master Research Supervisor

Grzegorz Torunski is an internationally recognized jazz saxophonist, educator, and bandleader, active across the Polish, Dutch, German, and Belgian music scenes. Known for his versatility and captivating performances, he has gained significant recognition throughout Europe and the United States. His artistry and pedagogical approach reflect a deep commitment to both musical excellence and educational innovation.

Education

• Master of Music (summa cum laude) – Conservatorium Maastricht (The Netherlands), 2012

Master studies with acclaimed saxophonist and composer David Binney in New York City (2010–2012).

• Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) – Conservatorium Maastricht (The Netherlands) & Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (Germany), 2010.

His artistic and pedagogical development has been shaped by numerous workshops and masterclasses with leading jazz artists such as Chris Potter, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and David.Liebman.

Teaching Career

Since 2012, Greg has been teaching at Edgar Lucht Musikschule in Niederkrüchten (Germany), where he works primarily with children and youth, offering individual lessons, band coaching, and big band direction. His ability to inspire and connect with young learners has made him a respected and sought-after educator.

In 2017, he joined Conservatorium Maastricht, where he continues to play a vital role in the Jazz Department. His current teaching portfolio includes:

• Jazz Saxophone (Bachelor & Master)

• Band Coaching & Big Band Section

• Saxophone Ensemble & Quartet

• Junior Jazz Department

• Applied Theory Combos & Theoretical Analysis

• Master Research Supervisor  Greg is also actively involved in curriculum development, Applied Theory innovations, and teacher panels for Master accreditation. He has played a key role in integrating the"Movable-Do system" into the theory curriculum, emphasizing practical connections between ear training, theoretical understanding, and performance.

Artistic Career

As a performer, Greg has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists, including Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Gino Vannelli, David Binney, Anouk, Marco Borsato, Simply Red, Supremes, The Temptations.

He has appeared at major festivals such as:

• Ghost House Jazz Festival (Athens, Greece)

• Jazz Masters Maastricht Festival (The Netherlands)

• Lagoa Jazz Festival (Portugal)

• Tremplin Jazz Festival (Avignon, France)

Currently, Greg performs actively with:

• Greg Torunski Quartet (Mike Roelofs, Werner Lauscher, Owen Hart Jr.)

• Torunski Brothers A Range (Piotr Torunski, Mike Roelofs, Ron van Stratum)

His artistic projects include numerous original compositions, featured on the albums:

• "Changes" – debut album with leading musicians from the Jazz Cologne scene

• "Moods" (2014) – a duo album by the Torunski Brothers, which received international acclaim and the Break Thru Radio New York Award.

Listen: Greg Torunski on Spotify

Awards & Honors

• Best Instrumentalist Prize, Tremplin Jazz Festival, Avignon, France (2018)

• Hustinx Prijs (2012), for the Torunski Brothers project

• Lagoa Jazz Festival Award (Portugal)

• Break Thru Radio New York Award (Torunski Brothers – "Moods")

Summary

Greg Torunski combines extensive experience as a performer, composer, and educator with a passion for developing the next generation of jazz musicians. His teaching emphasizes personal expression, strong theoretical foundations, and creative interplay.

Active in both academic and international jazz circles, Greg continues to inspire through his performances, compositions, and dedication to the evolving art of jazz education.