Dr. Ronald C. McCurdy is professor of music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California (USC) where he served as chair of the jazz department for six years (2002-2008). Prior to his appointment at USC he served as Director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at USC (1999-2001).
He is co-author of a vocal jazz improvisation series titled Approaching the Standards, published by Warner Bros. Dr. McCurdy authored Meet the Great Jazz Legends published by Alfred Publishing Co. He contributed chapters to two recent publications: Teaching Music in Performance Through Jazz: Vol. I (Gia Publication) and African Americans and Popular Culture (edited by Todd Boyd).
Dr. McCurdy is a consultant to the Grammy Foundation educational programs including serving as director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Combo. Dr. McCurdy serves as a consultant and Artistic Board Member to YoungArts. He also serves as Director of the Walt Disney All-American College Band in Anaheim, CA.
Dr. McCurdy has presented masterclasses and clinics at major music conferences all over the world since 1983. Dr. McCurdy premiered the orchestral version of The Langston Hughes Project, Ask Your Mama: 12 Mood for Jazz with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with rapper and television actor, Ice-T.
In 2016, the FM Jazz Awards in London, UK voted The Langston Hughes Project Best “Live” Performance. He continues to tour the Langston Hughes Project nationally and internationally. Dr. McCurdy is a performing artist for the Yamaha International Corporation.