Bert Ligon is director of jazz studies at the University of South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Music and his Master of Music in jazz piano performance and arranging from the University of North Texas.
Ligon has published several books including, Jazz Theory Resources Vol. 1 & 2, Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony, and Comprehensive Technique for the Jazz Musician.
Ligon has published several original compositions and arrangements for big band, jazz orchestra and steel drum ensembles. He composed extensively in the Radio, TV and film industries, receiving many awards including national PBS awards and an EMMY nomination. Ligon was commissioned in 2015 by the SCBDA to compose several new all-state jazz audition etudes.
Ligon has been active in IAJE, ASTA, SCBDA,and JEN.
At USC, Mr. Ligon coordinates the jazz combos and big bands, jazz strings, teaches jazz theory, jazz improvisation, arranging and applied jazz lessons. He plays piano, guitar and baseball.