Madison Russell

Administrative Coordinator

Division of Jazz Studies

Department(s)

Jazz Studies

Contact Information

Office Location: 
Music Building
Office #: 
284
Phone: 
940-565-3743

Raised in North Texas, Madison Russell attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas. At Booker T., she participated in the Monterey Jazz Festival and sang on local and national television as part of the Jazz Singers, Meistersingers, and Choir. She participated as a classical percussionist in the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Madison was named a 2015 YoungArts winner in Voice (Jazz) by the National YoungArts Foundation. 

As a 2019 Jazz Studies graduate of the University of North Texas, Madison studied voice with Rosana Eckert and Anna Jalkéus in the jazz department, as well as Brandi Estwick in the classical voice department. Additionally, Madison performed with the Four O'Clock Lab Band under the direction of Colleen Clark. From 2015-2019, Madison performed with the UNT Jazz Singers, Afro-Cuban Ensemble, Brazilian Ensemble, Zebras, and various small groups. In 2019, she was named Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Jazz Studies at UNT.

As a 2020 Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s graduate with a concentration in Interactive Virtual and Digital Communication, Madison gained experience in videography, learning technologies and design. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Library Science with a concentration in Music Librarianship.

Madison works as a private lesson instructor at Lone Star Music Academy. She is dedicated to helping students learn in a way that expands their thinking while instilling skills that are applicable for a lifetime. She encourages students to be free, technically sound and expressive in their musical endeavors. 

Currently, Madison performs as a live and session vocalist professionally in the DFW area. She performs solo, choral, and background work in various genres with small and large ensembles. Madison is an ensemble member at Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch. Madison also frequently performs with bands Modern Modem, The Swanky Doodles and About You.

As a composer, she explores self-awareness and perception of others through music that craftily mixes jazz, folk, rock and singer-songwriter influences. 

Madison continuously aims to create a positive, encouraging, and safe atmosphere. She believes that working with others to create an inclusive, interactive environment is vital to creating cutting-edge, inspired and ground-breaking music.