Biography

Dr. Molly Redfield is Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University. At LSU, Dr. Redfield teaches applied lessons, improvisation lessons, conducts the LSU Lab Jazz Band, coaches multiple chamber ensembles, and instructs courses in jazz theory and arranging. She is an established bassist, arranger, and jazz educator and is excited to share her passion of teaching jazz education both with the campus and the community.

Dr. Redfield maintains an active national performing and touring schedule as a bassist. She has performed with Gerald Clayton, Ingrid Jensen, Allison Miller, Kenny Rampton, and many more. Her most recent recording, “JOIful Noizz” with the Las Vegas Joi Jazz Orchestra can be heard on all streaming devices. Dr. Redfield can also be heard on recordings with Dr. Jennifer Bellor, the Grammy-nominated and American Prize-winning UNLV Wind Orchestra, UNLV Honors Quartet (selected 2019 JEN performers), and DownBeat Magazine, student award winning UNLV Jazz Ensemble I and CSUS 1’oclock Jazz Band. Some of the awards Dr. Redfield has received for her playing include being a selected member 2022 Jazz Education Network, International Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo, awarded the 2017 Outstanding Festival Soloist Award at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, and awarded the 2016 Outstanding Collegiate Rhythm Section Performer at the Reno International Jazz Festival.

As an arranger, Dr. Redfield received a 2021 DownBeat Magazine, Student Music Award for her vocal arrangement of “Moonglow.” Additionally, her arrangements and compositions can be heard on CDs published under Vegas Records with the UNLV Jazz Ensemble I, Honors Quartet, and the Geri Allen Memorial Combo.

Dr. Redfield is dedicated to the jazz education community. She has been invited to present at the LMEA In-Service, Jazz Education Network International Conference, and the Capitol Section CMEA In-Service on her research in teaching the young rhythm section, inclusion of women in jazz studies, and jazz sampling hip-hop. Additionally, Dr. Redfield was the invited conductor of the Montana 2023 Allstate Jazz Ensemble and has adjudicated jazz festivals across the nation.

Dr. Redfield earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in String Bass Performance and her Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Prior to attending UNLV, she attended Sacramento State where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned her Bachelor of Music Education, with an emphasis in Classical Bass Performance, and a Bachelor of Music, Jazz Bass Performance.