Kieran J. Hanlon is Assistant Professor of Double Bass and Jazz at The State University of New York at Fredonia.   

An active orchestral performer, Kieran is Principal Bass of the Erie Philharmonic, Section Bass in the Chautauqua Symphony, and works as a substitute double bassist with the Detroit Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and the Rochester Philharmonic.   

In addition to frequent engagements as a freelance classical musician in upstate New York, Kieran is a first call jazz performer in the area, and is the bassist for the Buffalo Philharmonic Big Band.   

As a guest clinician, Kieran has presented workshops and masterclasses at The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, San Diego State University, The University of Houston, Southern Methodist University, Indiana University's Jacob School of Music, The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, The Eastman School of Music, The University of Colorado at Boulder and Colorado State University.   

On campus at Fredonia, Kieran is committed to bringing in and performing with high-profile guest artists such as Lloyd Goldstein, Dennis Whittaker, Heather Miller Lardin, Endea Owens, Paul Ellison, Ranaan Meyer, Lauren Pierce, Danny Ziemann, Diana Gannett, Rufus Reid, Blake Hinson, Joel Quarrington, Ralphe Armstrong. James VanDemark, Brett Shurtliffe, Daniel Pendley, Jeffrey Turner, Marco Panascia, and Nick Walker.   

As an arranger, Kieran writes custom works for Fredonia faculty ensembles, focusing on increasing the scope of repertoire the faculty performs by incorporating jazz, pop and improvised music.   

Kieran completed a Master of Music Degree in Double Bass Performance at the Eastman School of Music with Professor of Double Bass James VanDemark. He also completed Eastman’s Orchestral Studies Diploma Program. Kieran’s undergraduate studies were completed at The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance in April of 2012, where he studied classical repertoire with Professors Diana Gannett and Stephen Molina and jazz with Professor Robert Hurst.   

Outside of the music world, Kieran enjoys spending time with wife Elizabeth Hanlon (Fredonia faculty: clarinet,) daughter Eva, and greyhound Jay. He also spends time working on his house and vehicles, gardening, biking, hiking, boating, and enjoying quality time in fellowship with good friends and colleagues.