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Amit Golan (Hebrew: עמית גולן, Haifa 1964 - 2010). Was known to many as one of the greatest teachers and messengers of the jazz music in Israel. After graduating from New School For Jazz & Contemporary Music, N.Y in 1991, Amit returned to Israel to teach the style. He was the chair of many art programs, creating the opportunity for many music students to learn the tradition of jazz.

Education: Amit received his initial music education at The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance where he studied Classical music and composition. It was only after he finished his classical studied when he went to New York City and discovered his passion for jazz. He was influenced by Bill Evans's playing, but learned very fast that to understand jazz and Evans's technique deeply he had to learn what influenced Evans. He then attended at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, N.Y, and studied privately with "old school" players like Walter Bishop, Jr., Reggie Workman, Billy Harper, Jim Hall, Kenny Werner, and Harry Barris. He focused his studies on Jazz History, studying with historian such as Phil Schaap, and Ira Gitler.

Career: When Amit returned to Israel in the 90's, he thought of working as a film composer. This plan was never accomplished because he immediately received an offer from The Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts to teach the Jazz History course, and direct small ensembles. His course program spread over four years, covering the roots of jazz, moving on to Swing, Be Bop, Hard Bop, and talking about important players and events that influenced the growth of the style. Among teaching at Thelma Yellin, Amit also taught other schools. In 2001 he formed The Center for Jazz Studies at the Israel Conservatory of Music, Tel Aviv. Between 2004 - 2007 he was the music director of many jazz workshop series, and workshops for the promotion of jazz in Israel. In 2007 he directed the jazz series "Home" at Beit Avi Chai, Jerusalem, the held eight concerts featuring the best of Israeli jazz players playing pieces he composed himself. Among Amit's students are great names of musicians that are well known for the industry in Israel and around the world, like

Discography: In 2007, with the pressure of his loving friends, Amit finally released his first CD I Decided, featuring some of his old students Asaf Yuria on tenor sax, Gilad Abro on double bass, Doron Tirosh on drums, and a special guest from New York, Joe Magnarelli on trumpet. The album featured 6 original pieces by Amit and one cover of a jazz standard, demonstrating Hard bop at its best. Amit's 2nd album was supposed to be recorded in 2011 and was already composed, but his sudden death in 2010 interrupted the plan. Amit's friends decided to produce the album in his memory and the recording took place in 2011. The 2nd album features Eddie Henderson on trumpet, and eight more Israeli musicians, all great friends and some past students of Amit.

Death: Amit died on December 3rd, 2010 from a cardiac arrest. He collapsed during a basketball game with his music students, and even though the students tried to perform CPR it was impossible to save him. His death brought great shock to the jazz industry. Amit's funeral took place on Sunday, December 5th, and was populated by many of his past students, and industry giants.

Reference http://www.thesideman.co.il/2012/04/music-of-amit-golan.html http://www.thelma-yellin.co.il/44041 http://www.thelma-yellin.co.il/24193