Shirantha Beddage

Biography

Shirantha Beddage is a baritone saxophonist, composer, and educator. His original music combines hard bop and modern jazz to create a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated.

He has released three critically acclaimed albums as a leader: Roots and Branches, Identity (2013 JUNO nominee) and Momentum (2017 JUNO nominee). As a side musician, he is featured on recordings with the Order of Canada Band, Suzie Arioli, Laila Biali, Nancy Walker, Mike Downes and many others. His compositional skills have won him accolades such as the Montreal Jazz Festival Galaxie Rising Star Award, recognitions at the Canadian Songwriting Competition, and placements in the Emmy-winning TV series “Fargo”.

Dr. Beddage is Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. He previously held faculty appointments at Humber College (Toronto) and Columbus State University (Georgia, USA). He also adjudicates regularly at festivals throughout the country including MusicFest Canada, where he serves as Vice-Chairman of Instrumental Jazz.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music (New York, USA), a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University (New Jersey, USA), and a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College.

Shirantha Beddage is a Yamaha saxophone artist and performs on the YBS-62 baritone saxophone.