In 12 years at Ball State, Hans Sturm has been the model faculty member who blends creativity in traditional modes of expression with exploration of cutting-edge pedagogy.

An accomplished artist on the double bass, he has performed in a multitude of international and national engagements spanning two very distinct styles: jazz and classical music. In fact, he seems equally at home performing with a symphony orchestra as he is playing with a jazz quartet.

Recent performances internationally include a 2005 tour of Taiwan and several performances at the conventions of the International Society of Bassists, an organization of more than 3,000 members in 40 countries.

He also has amassed more than two dozen recordings to his credit, and many have brought significant attention to his work. But perhaps his most important creative achievement has been his DVDs "Art of the Bow" and "Art of the Left Hand" with Francois Rabbath.

Working in collaboration with Ball State's biomechanics laboratory, he used the latest motion-capture technology to analyze digitally the subtle, complex motions associated with Rabbath's unique approach to bass performance.

This DVD has met with commercial success worldwide and attracted the attention of national media including The Christian Science Monitor, USA Today and The Chronicle of Higher Education. "Art of the Left Hand," which will be released this month, promises to match this achievement.