Julien Hwang

About the Author

Julien Hwang is a distinguished musicologist and educator whose passion for jazz has shaped his career in academia and writing. With a PhD in ethnomusicology from Columbia University, he has taught at prestigious institutions, inspiring generations of students to explore the rhythms and innovations of American music. Hwang's approach demystifies complex genres by emphasizing auditory immersion, making jazz accessible to novices and enthusiasts alike. His seminal work, Understanding Jazz Through Listening: Fifteen works to trace its evolution, from 1920s to mid-1960s, guides readers through pivotal recordings that illuminate the genre's transformative journey. Beyond the page, Hwang lectures internationally, curates jazz archives, and collaborates with musicians to preserve this vibrant heritage, blending scholarly rigor with an infectious enthusiasm that resonates across audiences.