"Those who we remember best--Bach, Telemann, Vivaldi, Haydn and Mozart--did it all. Today there are very few who do it all, and an incredibly small proportion of them do it all extremely well. One who does is Javier Arau."
--Saxophone Journal
Music
A 2024 and 2025 quarterfinalist for Grammy® Educator of the Year and TEDx speaker, Javier Arau is a celebrated author, saxophonist and composer with a wide body of work. He conducts the Javier Arau Jazz Orchestra and also has written for contemporary classical orchestras and chamber ensembles, for film/multimedia, musical theatre, children's music, and more.
Books and Research
Javier Arau's research in jazz improvisation, music theory and pedagogy is extensive. His current work focuses on linear melodic development in jazz.
Public Speaking
Javier Arau delivered his first TED Talk at TEDxCUNY in 2025 in New York City, the largest TEDx conference in the world. A two-time quarterfinalist for Grammy® Educator Award, Javier has served as a clinician and speaker at conventions around the country. He has lectured for band directors, public and private schools, school assemblies, and corporate events. As a consultant, he has served on grant panels, adjudication boards, and more.