At the intersection of music and the mind

Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute is committed to creating a dynamic and exciting environment for the exploration of the mind and brain. Advances in a field as wide as brain science necessitate an approach that transcends disciplines and boundaries. To foster a connection between music and sciences, Columbia's Zuckerman Institute established the Jazz Artist-in-Residence program in 2019. This program sponsors musical artists for a period of engagement, inspiration and discovery at the Institute.

The 2025-2026 Jazz Artist-in-Residence at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute is jazz bassist/composer Linda May Han Oh.

About Linda May Han Oh 

GRAMMY Award winning - Linda May Han Oh is a bassist/composer who has performed with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Terri Lyne Carrington and Vijay Iyer.

Originally born in Malaysia and raised in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia, she has received many awards, including the 2023 Herb Albert Award and an Honorary Doctorate from Manhattan School of Music in 2024.

Linda has released six albums as a band-leader and her band was recently featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Linda has written for large and small ensembles, as well as for film. Most recently she scored "Sorority Confidential" by film maker Kathryn Smith Pyle and is currently working on “Invisible Threads” - a multi-disciplinary project commissioned by the Melbourne Jazz Festival featuring illustrations by Keith Henry Brown.

Linda is currently teaching at the Berklee College of Music and is also part of the Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice. Linda was featured on bass in the 2020 Pixar movie “Soul” and the model for the character “Miho”.

“her innovative range and stellar improvisations have made [her] one of the most dynamic rising stars in jazz today.” The Wall Street Journal

"A major bass voice arrives" - JazzTimes

"On Walk Against Wind...[Oh] takes a long stride forward as a bandleader and composer. The writing is intricate but flowing, tailored to the articulate grace of her band." - WBGO Take Five

“Engrossing, shapeshifting... [her] vibrant tone, close control and confident attack immediately established why she is such an in-demand performer.” The Financial Times

"One of the most fluid and instinctive bass players in New York City." - SomethingElse Reviews

Linda May Han Oh's residency is hosted by Michael Shadlen, MD, PhD, professor of neuroscience and principal investigator at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute, with support from Chris Washburne, PhD, professor of music at Columbia University.