Saxophonist Walt Puyear enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator. Based in the Chicago area, he serves on the faculties of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, North Central College, and is the interim Lecturer of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Walt spends his summers teaching at the Interlochen Arts Camp and MPulse Saxophone Institute.

As a soloist, Walt has earned many accolades, including a prize at the inaugural 2022 Walter Naumburg International Saxophone Competition and First Prize in Vandoren’s 2021 Emerging Artist Competition. He has recently appeared as a soloist with the Ann Arbor Civic Band and the Carole Mawby Chorale. Past concerto appearances include performances with the UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony and the University of Michigan Chamber Winds. Recent orchestral engagements include performances with the Ann Arbor Symphony and New World Symphony. Walt is featured on Chamber Music of William Horne, Vol. III (Blue Griffin Recording).

As alto saxophonist with the Aero Quartet, Walt received a Gold Medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and top prizes at the New Orleans Chamber Music Festival and Music Teachers National Association Competitions. Aero engages audiences and communities through neighborhood concerts, K-12 school visits, university masterclasses, and chamber music series appearances, including the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Chesapeake Music in Easton, MD, and Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts broadcasted on Chicago WFMT Radio. The Aero Quartet recorded its debut album on the UK-based label Orchid Classics released in September 2023.

Walt previously taught at Eastern Michigan University and in 2022 served as a sabbatical replacement to Timothy McAllister at the University of Michigan. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, where he was Graduate Student Instructor for the saxophone studio. He also holds bachelor’s degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Theory from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, he received the Earl V. Moore Award, the school’s highest performance honor for a graduate student, as voted by the faculty. His principal teachers include Timothy McAllister, Zach Shemon, and Andrew Bishop.