William Morrison - Lecturer in Guitar, Improvisation and Composition

 

Starting his music studies at the age of five on violin, William was inspired by guitar legend Joe Pass and has been working professionally as a jazz guitarist since the age of fifteen.

​

Having completed a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and a Bachelor of Arts with first class Honours, William now spends his time touring, composing and teaching. A prolific composer, he has won a number of awards, including being chosen by the South Australian Government for a promotional campaign in China. His arrangements have been played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, most major Australian Symphony Orchestras and big bands in many countries in Europe.

 

His touring schedule is no less impressive, with concerts and tours in Spain, Germany, Austria, The UK, USA, China, Prague, Hungary, South Africa, and many more. Recent highlights include the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Dianne Reeves and the BBC Orchestra, headlining at the Newport Jazz Summer Series in California, performances at Dizzy’s in New York, the Green Mill in Chicago and playing on The ARIA ‘Best Jazz Album’ of 2017.

 

William has worked with many international stars such as Jeff Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon, Gordon Goodwin, Tamir Hendleman, Marian Petrescu, Troy Roberts and recorded with Grammy Award winning vocal legend Patti Austin.

 

Australian highlights include performances with the Melbourne, Adelaide and West Australian Symphonies, Kate Ceberano, Emma Pask, Don Burrows, Darren Percival and of course his father, James Morrison.

 

The latest release featuring William is entitled ‘Midnight till Dawn’ recorded at Abbey Rd studios in London.

 

2019 saw William touring with Grammy Award winning vocalist Kurt Elling and performing at International Jazz Day in Melbourne Australia.

​

His latest career development has him recording a suite of original works at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles with producer Willie Murillo, where he has also recorded all solo vocals.

​

Having completed his own studies at the Academy only five years ago, William brings an extremely relevant perspective to students at JMA. 

​