Dr. Chris Naughton is a jazz pianist, composer, and educator based in Auckland, New Zealand. Known for his expressive playing and deep musicality, Chris brings a distinctive voice to the jazz scene both locally and internationally.
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Specialising in collaboration with vocalists, he performs in duo and quartet formats, exploring a wide range of styles—from early blues and Broadway swing to bebop, cool jazz, and fusion. His performances are marked by a strong sense of lyricism and a deep respect for the jazz tradition.
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Chris is currently working on two exciting recording projects: a jazz instrumental album and a vocal album, both celebrating the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian music.
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Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Chris is dedicated to sharing the joy and complexity of jazz with audiences and students alike.
about DR. CHRIS NAUGHTON
Chris Naughton – Composer, Educator, Performer, and Researcher
Chris began his musical journey studying piano at the Adele Franklin Studio in London, later advancing his training under Joseph Weingarten at the Royal Conservatoire of Music in Birmingham. After completing a postgraduate qualification in education, he taught in London, where he developed a multidisciplinary performance arts curriculum for schools.
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Chris went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Technology from the University of York. He was then appointed Subject Chair in Arts Education at the University of Exeter, where he developed a deep interest in community music, both in theory and practice. In 1999, he joined the University of Auckland, where he founded the Auckland Samba School. He completed his PhD in 2008 and remains actively involved as a researcher, composer, jazz pianist, and educator.
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As a composer, Chris has created works for brass ensembles, solo piano, and voice, in addition to composing for independent films, radio jingles, and advertising. His contributions to music education include four original musical theatre productions for children and a range of curriculum materials designed for primary-level students.
Though performance has always been a central part of his career, Chris is also a prolific researcher in music education, with numerous journal articles and several books to his name. Selected publications and media works are available on this website.
Next Event
Upcoming Events
- Book SigningMon, 03 JulThe Little Book Store
Book launch & signingFri, 24 NovUniversity of Auckland, Faculty of Ed.
reviews
"Reframing fundamental, enduring issues in arts education, this collection of papers on the arts, artists and pedagogy is fresh, timely, insightful, at times provocative, always compelling."
LIORA BRESLER
Ph.D. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Professor in the College of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and the School of Art and Design
Chris Naughton is a jazz pianist, educator and composer working out of Auckland, New Zealand.
Specialising in working with vocalists, Chris plays piano in duos or quartets and covers styles that include early blues, Broadway, swing, bebop, cool and fusion.
Currently, Chris is recording both a Jazz and a song album featuring the Music of Brazil.