From 2025 -- Faculty to be announced for 2026!
Jeff Antoniuk
Saxophone/Artistic Director
Born in Edmonton Canada, and having lived in Nigeria as a child, saxophonist and educator Jeff Antoniuk has defined his musical life by creating and expanding communities, whether improvising a solo, connecting with a festival audience, or in his numerous workshops and master classes. Heralded for his “considerable chops” (Jazz Times Magazine) and “a creative spark that never lets up,” (Rochester City Paper) Antoniuk is a force to be reckoned with on the horn, and a master educator
renowned around the world. His “Digging Deeper” jazz education videos on Your Tube and Facebook have been watched over 3 million times.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
Kavy Kaviraj
Piano
Pianist, composer, and arranger Kavy Kaviraj brings a truly global perspective to the bandstand—one shaped by deep jazz study, cross-genre exploration, and an international upbringing. Now based in Minnesota, he has performed with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, David Sanchez, and Justin Robinson, while building a vibrant presence throughout the Twin Cities music community.
Though grounded in jazz, his musical reach extends into hip-hop, gospel, R&B, and funk—collaborating with artists such as Jamecia Bennett, The Steeles, and I Self Devine. Equally at home alongside local jazz greats like Debbie Duncan and Babatunde Lea, Kavyesh brings stylistic fluency and creative curiosity to every project he touches.
Born in Oman to Indian parents and immersed early in both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions, his musical foundation is truly international. After studies in India, Chicago, and Boston—including mentorship with Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, and JoAnne Brackeen—he has become a respected educator and performer in the U.S. Now on faculty at the University of St. Thomas and active throughout the region, Kavyesh brings depth, versatility, and inspired musicianship to the Summit experience.
Kameron Markworth
Bass
Minneapolis-based bassist Kameron Markworth is a versatile performer and thoughtful teaching artist who moves easily between upright and electric bass. Active throughout the Midwest, he brings depth and flexibility to a wide range of musical settings, with a particular love for interpreting Great American Songbook standards and collaborating on original contemporary works.
Kameron has recently recorded and performed with Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield as a member of Take That Back, and is also part of the trio Polem (with Mike Wolter and Joey Van Phillips), with a recording coming in 2026. Whether anchoring a swinging standard or shaping new music from the ground up, he plays with intention, warmth, and strong musical presence.
An adjunct instructor at Augsburg University since 2013, Kameron teaches Jazz History and a Popular Music History course he designed himself. His classes explore the social justice narratives embedded in Black American Music across the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. In addition to the classroom, he maintains an active private bass studio and coaches small ensembles—bringing insight, context, and groove to every learning environment.
Elaine Burt
Trumpet
Elaine Burt is a highly sought-after trumpet player, performer, teacher, guest artist, conductor and clinician.
Elaine's dedication to her craft led her to the world-renowned School of Music at the University of North Texas where she studied under esteemed professors John Haynie and Dr. Leonard Candelaria as well as brass guru Don "Jake" Jacoby. She earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Jazz Studies. As a graduate student, Elaine was awarded a teaching fellowship allowing her to lead two of the university's performing jazz bands.
Elaine's career has taken her across the globe performing with various bands and artists. During her twenty-three years in New York City, she performed in over twenty Broadway shows, appeared on national television programs, participated in studio recording sessions and played with premier jazz orchestras including the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Ed Palermo Big Band. She has shared the stage with renowned artists like Reba McEntire, Idina Menzel and Audra McDonald as well as jazz greats such as Bob Mintzer, Clark Terry, Byron Stripling and John Pizzarelli.
Elaine has toured extensively with Paul Anka and is a proud member of the band for the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR. Most recently, she had the honor of teaching students at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Academy in New York City. Elaine enjoys bringing her joy for music to students of all ages while guiding them on their journey of musical exploration.
David Schmalenberger
Drums
Working with Dr. David Schmalenberger means experiencing a drummer and percussionist whose range stretches effortlessly from symphony hall to intimate jazz club. Recently performing with the Minnesota Orchestra, Karrin Allyson, Mary Louise Knutson, Uptown Brass, and Marilyn Maye, David brings versatility, deep listening, and refined touch to every musical setting.
A sought-after recording artist, he has appeared on projects with trumpeter Chuck Lazarus and the Laura Caviani Trio, among others—always serving the music with color, groove, and imagination. David holds a DMA in Percussion Performance and World Music from West Virginia University, along with degrees from the University of Michigan and Capital University, grounding his artistry in both jazz tradition and global rhythmic study.
Currently on faculty at Carleton College and Augsburg University, where he teaches applied percussion, drumset, and directs a World Drumming Ensemble, David is as thoughtful in the classroom as he is on stage. At the Summit, expect rhythmic clarity, creative textures, and practical insights that will elevate your time feel and musical interaction immediately.
Zacc Harris
Guitar
Since moving to Minneapolis in 2005, Zacc Harris has gained a reputation as one of the area’s top guitarists, being named 2017 Twin Cities Best Jazz Artist by the City Pages. He performs in a host of creative projects including Atlantis Quartet, winner of the 2015 McKnight Fellowship and named 2011 Best Jazz Artist, as well as the Zacc Harris Group, American Reverie, and Zacc Harris Trio. He has been released four albums as leader including 2021's Small Wonders which received 4-stars and a place on DownBeat Magazine's Best Albums of the Year List, and 2024's Chasing Shadows for which JazzWise Magazine said his "timing and articulation are beyond reproach and his imagination extensive." Harris has toured as leader and sideman throughout the US and UK, including a 2016 run with Zacc Harris Group at London’s famed Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, as well as a performance in 2022 on the main stage of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEPe714jxY4
https://zaccharris.com
The Summit reserves the right to change or substitute faculty at any time