Ryan Hagler, D.M.A.

Dr. Ryan Hagler is a Grammy-nominated bassist, musical director, and educator. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, where he was a member of the renowned One O’Clock Lab Band. His academic and artistic training reflects a deep grounding in the jazz tradition alongside an engagement with contemporary approaches and influences from popular music.

An active performer and recording artist, Dr. Hagler works extensively on both acoustic and electric bass across a wide range of musical settings. He has collaborated with internationally recognized artists including Jazzmeia Horn, Aubrey Logan, Jeff Hamilton, Andrew Gould, Benny Benack III, Mike Moreno, Bernard Wright, Melissa Aldana, and Joel Frahm, and has appeared on stages throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

At Trinity, Dr. Hagler directs the Jazz Ensemble, a 17-piece big band, and teaches courses in Jazz History and Jazz Improvisation. He previously served on the faculty of Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, where he taught bass, ear training, jazz history, and ensembles.