Saxophone/ Flute/ EWI

Jimmy Cheng-Yu Lee

A classical and jazz saxophonist, Jimmy Cheng-Yu Lee teaches saxophone and Jazz history/ appreciation/ theory/ performance in National Normal University, National Taipei University of Education, Fu Jen Catholic University and Soochow University. He also served as the band leader and music director of the Taipei Jazz Orchestra (TJO), the lecturer of National Performing Arts Center Jazz Camp, and Taichung Youth Jazz Camp. He specializes in Classical and Jazz saxophone performance, basic theories of Jazz music, Jazz music arrangement, and conduct of Jazz orchestras.

Jimmy obtained his Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from University of North Texas in 2004 after receiving music certificate from Bowling Green State University in 2001. During the years in U.S., he studied classical saxophone with Dr. John Sampen, Dr. Eugene Rousseau, and Dr. Eric Nestler, and jazz studies with James Miglia, Mike Steniel, James Riggs and John Murphy.

Jimmy has been active in Jazz performance and education after returing to Taiwan. As a soloist, he has performed with the NSO Principal String Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Fu Jen Catholic University Symphony Orchestra, Sun Yat-Sen University Symphony Orchestra, Hsinchu Symphony Orchestra, etc. For Jazz composition, his works have been subsidized by the National Culture and Arts Foundation and the Taipei City Government Department of Cultural Affairs many times. Since 2015, he has been a lecturer of Jazz workshops in Thailand, China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong), Cyprus and Lebanon with Jazz Education Abroad.

Jimmy leads Onyx Jazz Quartet and won the 1st Prize in “Chrysler & ICRT Jazz Competition” in 2005, and Creative Award in “Land Music Awards” in 2006. In 2007, Onyx Jazz Quartet released its first album “Reliance”. Jimmy released his first classical album “Fantaisie” in 2009, and was nominated the Best Arranger Award in the 21st Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music. In 2012, he released his first Solo album "New Moon" and was nominated for the Best Jazz Album of the 4th Golden Indie Music Awards. He also leads the Taipei Jazz Orchestra (TJO) to release albums "Knives Out", "Rose Rose I Love You", "TJO Ten Years Swing" and "Love of Keelung Mountain" in 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2020 respectively. 

His book "Jazz Theory for Novices", "Jazz Method for Saxophone", "20/12 Easy Pieces for Saxophone", "Classical Pieces for Alto Saxophone", "Marcello: Sonata Op.2 No.8 for Soprano/Alto Saxophone and Piano", "Telemann: Sonata TWV 41:B6 for Soprano/Alto Saxophone and Piano", "George Frideric Handel: Sonata Op.1/3 for Alto Saxophone and Piano", "Francois Devienne: Sonata Op.24/3 for Alto Saxophone and Piano" and "Jazz Standards for Ukulele" were published by Mercury Publishing House.

Jimmy is an artist/endorser of Antigua Saxophone and D'Addario Woodwind.