Doctor of Philosophy
Music Theory
The Catholic University of America
Master of Music
Music Theory
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Arts
Music
Notre Dame de Namur University
Ian Wardenski is a theorist, composer, guitarist and educator. As a composer and guitarist, he is celebrated for his harmonic aesthetic, which has been described as “warm and complex with colorizations that reflect the modern jazz idiom” by Nolan DeBuke of The Jazz Word. These harmonic characteristics, as well as Wardenski’s angular and additive approach to melody and rhythm, can be heard throughout his debut album, “Collective Thoughts,” which was released in spring 2019. The album features Wardenski’s quintet — an innovative ensemble that combines the aesthetics of a chamber group with the freedom, spontaneity and improvisation of a small jazz combo. The album also features voice, which is utilized as a wordless instrument on selected compositions.
Wardenski’s compositions make use of traditional elements, while simultaneously intertwining textural components, such as clusters and bands of sounds. His immersion in rhythm is also on display, as he continues to explore alternative systems for rhythmic organization. These composition techniques are showcased on Wardenski’s second album, “Trust,” which was released in spring 2022. The first track of the album, “Before Long,” was a featured song in the April 2022 edition of JAZZIZ Magazine and subsequently made the Editors’ Choice.
Wardenski’s attraction to angular and pointillistic melodic constructs can be heard on his third album, “Unfoldings,” which was released in spring 2024. “Unfoldings,” a five-movement suite composed by Wardenski, is based on a pitch-class set that gives rise to the principal melodic material. The primary theme is presented in various configurations (structural, nonstructural, inverted, retrograde, augmentation, diminution), presenting the possibilities for unfolding a melody throughout a multimovement composition.
As a theorist and educator, Wardenski believes strongly in a close relationship between scholarship and performance and promotes this relationship in his classes. This passion for research and performance can be seen in his graduate thesis, “Engaging the Musical Mind: Promoting the Value of Music Theory and Analysis Toward Authentic Interpretation and Performance of Selected Works of Francisco Tárrega,” as well as in his dissertation, “Harmonic and Phrase Rhythm Analysis of the Core Dance Movements from the Four Lute Suites of J.S. Bach.” Wardenski brings his enthusiasm of scholarship and performance to the concert stage. He has given lecture recitals throughout the United States and Europe and has shared the stage with many jazz greats including Jerry Ascione, Ray Ascione, Mercedes Beckman, Steve Fidyk, Jason Gano, Marty Knepp, Savino Palumbo, Tom Pitta, Tim Powell, Frank Russo, Amy Shook, Frank Silva and Tim Stanley.
Wardenski began his music studies at 15 under the guidance of John Lahovski, Peter Sittler and Frank DiBussolo. During this time, he attended the Creative Music Institute in Emmaus, Pa., where he studied music theory, composition and improvisation. He graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, Calif., with a Bachelor of Arts in music. While there, he studied music theory/musicianship under Denis Moreen and Michael Schmitz, and classical guitar under Richard Patterson and David Dueñas.
In fall 2004, Wardenski received a Master of Music in music theory from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. While there, he studied music theory/musicianship under Robert Shankovich and classical guitar under Thomas Kikta and Aaron Shearer, author of the “Learning the Classic Guitar” series. Wardenski completed his doctorate in music theory at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he studied music theory/musicianship under Steven Strunk, author of “Harmony” (New Grove Dictionary of Jazz), “Linear Intervallic Patterns in Jazz Repertory” and “Harmony of Early Bop: A Layered Approach.” In addition to his work with Strunk, he studied music theory with Paul Taylor and Andrew Simpson, and classical guitar with Richard Miller.
Wardenski teaches courses in music theory, composition, sight singing and ear training, jazz harmony, jazz history and guitar. He is also the music director for the AACC Small Jazz Combo, as well as the AACC World Class Jazz series. He currently resides in Annapolis with his wife, soprano Tamara Tucker.
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