Jeff Hellmer was born in Wichita in 1959. At the ripe age of 4, he was attracted to the piano and asked his parents for piano lessons at age 5. He studied classical piano in elementary school adding trumpet at age 9 so he could play in the school band. His formative teachers (husband and wife) taught trumpet and piano lessons. In 8th grade, he was asked to join the “stage band” on trumpet which drew him to jazz. Later in high school, now in Des Moines, Hellmer played in outstanding jazz and concert bands, being blessed with one of his most inspiring teachers. At age 15, he began to play gigs. Later on, Hellmer majored in music education while attending the University of Northern Iowa, known for its jazz program. At that time, he dropped trumpet to concentrate on piano and was fortunate to have had many excellent teachers at UNI, receiving additional inspiration from playing jazz festivals with accomplished guest artists. After college, Hellmer went on to grad school at the Eastman School of Music, obtaining his Masters in jazz performance where he met many talented jazz students, some of whom came with him to LA to freelance following graduation. After a few years of performing, Hellmer decided to explore teaching along with playing and landed his position at the Butler School of Music at UT.
Hellmer, accomplished pianist and Director of Jazz Studies, brings a wealth of experience as an educator and performer to the UT jazz program. He maintains an extremely active performing and teaching profile, appearing frequently on the central Texas scene as well as throughout the United States at venues ranging from the Litchfield Jazz Festival to the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Twice named a finalist in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, he has performed, taught and adjudicated jazz throughout the United States as well as in Russia and Taiwan. His recording, Peak Moments, was declared an “exciting addition to the modern jazz piano catalog” by the All Music Guide. He has been a soloist and guest conductor with the Dallas Wind Symphony eight times, and has recorded with classical saxophonists Dan Goble and Harvey Pittel.
Hellmer developed a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) in Jazz Appreciation that was received with critical acclaim on the EdX platform, with an enrollment of over 19,000 students! He has also partnered with the learning technology company Cerego to create innovative new online content in jazz studies.
As the long-time director of the UT Jazz Orchestra, he has led performances of the band at the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals, as well as appearances with jazz masters such as Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, John Clayton, and Kenny Garrett. In 2009, Professor Hellmer was named to the Academy of Distinguished Teachers, one of the highest awards given for teaching at the university. His current and former jazz piano students have garnered impressive recognition for their creativity and individuality. He is co-author of the textbook Jazz Theory and Practice, published by Alfred, and his compositions for jazz ensemble are available through UNC Press and Concept Music.