Julia (Lewandowski) Graves
Julia (Lewandowski) Graves
Education
- B.A. Saxophone Performance - Jazz Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside
- Minor in Music from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Why did you choose to work at WCM?
Several reasons including professional growth, it's an organization that aligns with my own mission, it has a strong reputation and sense of community, and I knew I would be able to balance teaching here with my artisty.
Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.
One of the most influential teachers I’ve had is Russ Johnson at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Russ encouraged me to embrace creativity and individuality in my playing, while still maintaining a strong technical foundation. His teaching went beyond mechanics — he showed me how to approach improvisation as a conversation, to listen deeply, and to take risks musically. That experience not only expanded my musicianship but also shaped my philosophy as a teacher: to create a space where students feel supported in experimenting, making mistakes, and ultimately discovering their own artistic voices. Since then, I have been working as a solo artist releasing original music under the name Julia Graves.