Bio
Dr. Seungyoung Hong
Dr. Hong is an award-winning performer, scholar, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator. He has honed his craft and has become an accomplished musician that has performed in various venues around the world. As a seasoned performer, he has a driving force in both upright and electric bass performance as well as composition. His recent album represents his original compositions and artistic performance with renowned guitarist Paul Meyers, releasing a studio album, North Country Blue (2026). His debut album, Lost at Sea (2023), showcases his artistic philosophy and musicality. He had incredible opportunities to share stages with Bill Charlap, Cecil McLorin Salvant, Paul Myeres, Bill Mobley, Trio da Paz, Joe Lovano, John Pizzarelli, Nancy Marano, and many more. His talent extends beyond his instrumental prowess; as a notable bassist, composer, and arranger, he has contributed his creative brilliance to several recordings.
His scholarly pursuits reflect a strong commitment to jazz research and education. He was awarded the Grand Prize from the 2024 research competition of International Society of Bassists (ISB), with his article, "The Heartbeat of Jazz: The Multifaceted Role of Jazz Bass Through the Eyes of Jazz Architects." He is also the author of article, "Unique Notes in Common Scores: Developing Improvisational Fluency in Jazz Standards through Historical Approaches," published by Jazz Education in Research and Practice, Indiana University Press. He has presented at prominent conferences such as ISB, Jazz Education Network, and College Music Society.
As a dedicated educator, he imparts his infectious enthusiasm and boundless passion to his students, drawing from his extensive musical experience to inspire and uplift the next generation of musicians. His teaching spans a broad range of areas, including jazz ensemble in various sizes and genres, history of jazz, jazz theory and arranging, jazz pedagogy, and jazz improvisation. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the Crane School of Music of SUNY Potsdam. Dr. Hong seeks to express a wide range of musical landscapes, cross-cultural aesthetic, and dynamic artistic perspectives, as showcased in the “Apex” single by Crane Jazz Ensemble under his direction.
He earned both his bachelor's (BM) and master's degrees (MM) in Jazz Studies and Performance from William Paterson University of New Jersey and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Jazz studies and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. He absorbed invaluable knowledge and artistic insight through the privilege of studying under the tutelage of legendary and historically significant jazz musicians such as Bill Charlap, Jeff Campbell, Harold Mabern, Bill Dobbins, Mike LeDonne, Steve LaSpina, Christine Jensen, and more.