Philip Golub ’18 NEC/Harvard Nominated for 2025 German Jazz Prize
Philip Golub ’18 NEC/Harvard has been nominated for Newcomer of the Year (International) for the 2025 German Jazz Prize, recognizing a year of prolific releases and growing attention for his experimental, improvisation-driven style.
Based in Brooklyn, Golub is musician-in-residence at Dumbarton Oaks and co-founder and pianist of Tropos, whose album Switches was released in June. His work blends avant-garde techniques with deep roots in jazz tradition, guided by what he calls composing with “audacity.”
A Los Angeles native, Golub came east through the joint program at Harvard University and NEC, studying with artists like Vijay Iyer and Yosvany Terry. He resists narrow labels, composer, improviser, or pianist, seeing all three as essential to his identity.
His recent release “Loop 7” explores microtonality using a 22-note octave, exemplifying his push beyond conventional sound worlds. He also cites late mentor Wayne Shorter as a guiding influence, emphasizing authenticity over conformity.
Golub is now preparing new microtonal works, additional “loops” for retuned piano, and a solo piano project, signaling a bold next chapter in a career defined by innovation.
