Brice Tucker Found His Unique Voice at the Lamont School of Music

University of Denver graduate student Brice Tucker will graduate this weekend with his master’s degree in music composition with an emphasis in jazz music from DU’s Lamont School of Music, part of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS). During his time as a student in Lamont, Tucker felt empowered by both his peers and professors to seek out his own unique voice in the music world and grow in ways that were specifically tailored to him. 

“[In the industry] I think there's a lot of pressure to fit into certain boxes [musically], and I never felt that pressure [in Lamont]. In fact, I was pushed in the opposite direction when I started to fall into that trap.” said Tucker.  

With the support of Lamont’s Annie Booth, adjunct faculty member specializing in jazz arranging, improvisation and composition, Tucker was able to petition the school to allow him to record a jazz album as his capstone project in place of a traditional recital. As he already plays gigs professionally, Tucker felt that this would be the best way to demonstrate his growth throughout his time at the University of Denver. This decision would also have a longer-lasting impact on his career moving forward.  

After graduation, Tucker plans to finish mixing and mastering his new jazz album as well as continue playing live gigs with his local band in Denver, with ambitions to expand their opportunities outside of Colorado. Further into the future, Tucker is interested in teaching others, following his recent inspiration from the dedicated efforts of CAHSS faculty members.  

“I would love to do some teaching in the future... that's something I never considered before I came to DU,” Tucker said. “Having been the product of compassionate teachers and kind folks that have given me their time without asking for anything in return, I feel a kind of responsibility to pay that forward in whatever way I can in the future.” 

Learn more about graduate programs offered by the Lamont School of Music by visiting the school’s Academic Programs page.