UT Arlington Assistant Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Music Dan Cavanagh is an in-demand jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. He has prior teaching experience at the University of Oregon, the East Metro Music Academy in St. Paul, and St. Olaf College.

Dan has garnered numerous awards for his compositions, including a First Music Commission from the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band Classic program, and Finalist in the 2005 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers competition. His music continues to be performed across the country and internationally, and he has received commissions from a wide range of groups, from professional big bands to junior high jazz ensembles. His compositions for large jazz ensemble are published by UNC Jazz Press.

In addition to composing and arranging, Dan has recently finished recording with a new group comprised of Adam Linz, bass, Jay Epstein, drums, and Dan on piano. Performing originals and lesser-known standards, the trio is an exciting and innovative small group that attracts listeners from a broad range of musical backgrounds. He also performs with and writes for Seven Minus, a sextet based in Eugene, OR.

Dan received a master's of music degree in jazz studies from the University of Oregon, and was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student in Jazz Studies award upon graduation. Prior to that, he worked for MakeMusic!, Inc, makers of Finale notation software. He received his undergraduate degree in Theory/Composition from St. Olaf College.