“Jason hears music in 360º - nothing gets past this guy. He understands all of the ideas (even those brand new, undeveloped ones), and is able to interpret and communicate them so that everyone in the room can do their best work. PS: He is also hilarious.”

— Michael Holland, Composer and Orchestrator

“I always look forward to the opportunity to work with Jason. He brings a wealth of skills and positive attributes to the table; a quick reader, an intuitive interpreter with a ready musical arsenal, always open and willing to make changes on the fly, running rehearsals with precision and grace, and always his bright soul shines through.”

— Chan Poling, Composer & Songwriter

“Jason is an excellent collaborator and is inclusive in his decisions. As music director, I admire his artistry, overall sense of ease, and his willingness to be flexible according to what is needed in the onstage action. Overall, I love working with him!”

— Crystal Manich, Director

“Jason was a joy to work with - thoughtful, diligent, committed, and detail-oriented. I would be thrilled to work with him again.”

— Andrea Grody, Music Supervisor and Director

“Jason immediately understood the assignment. He worked diligently, intelligently, creatively and with flexibility, and proved a valuable addition to our music team. I couldn't have done my job had he not been so good at his.”

— Alan Schmuckler, Composer and Orchestrator

“Jason Hansen is one of the best in the business. We’ve worked together on a number of shows -a good few productions and a lot of workshops - and he’s always the first choice.  He’s great when you’re writing a musical, helping to guide what the story and the music want to be. And he’s terrific in the pit, bringing it all home.”

— Jeffrey Hatcher, Playwright and Screenwriter

“Jason is a great collaborator and a fine musician.  He is beautifully clued in to music, theater, music theater, and everything in between.”

— Robert Elhai, Composer and Orchestrator

“Jason Hansen has a spectacular ability to elevate a score by unleashing its full potential.  He builds a sturdy scaffold so that each instrument, or idea, has space to breathe... while enlivening the whole, waxing the curves and sharpening the edges. Hansen's careful arrangement of Denise Prosek's 'I am Betty' was a tour de force.  His complex orchestrations empowered our team to stage a story spanning one hundred years of distinct musical styles with just a four-member orchestra. Jason's work is compelling, and he is also a joy to collaborate with!”

— Maija García, Director

“Working with Jason was a dream! His orchestrations were beautiful and spot-on, supporting and enhancing our production of "The Gift of the Magi" superbly. He is a wonderful and a generous collaborator, brimming with creative ideas and insights. He is truly a delight to work with, and I look forward to employing his skills and talents in the future. He also happens to be one of the nicest people on the planet! Thank you, Jason!!”

— Andrew Cooke, Composer and Music Director

“I’ve worked with Jason a couple of times. I not only appreciate his creativity and skill as a composer/music director, but the fact that he’s incredibly organized, a flexible collaborator, and a highly  positive and warm human being. You know the work will be excellent if he is part of your team, and that he’ll bring joy, inspiration and skill to any process.”

— Marcela Lorca, Director

“I immediately relax when I find out I'm working on a project with Jason. I know that he'll bring his vast musical expertise as well as his infectious, positive energy into the room. He has a knack for gently inviting the best out of every performer he works with and his attention to detail is exactly what I need when he's arranging and preparing scores for me.”

— Peter Vitale, Music Director and Composer

“Having worked with Jason Hansen as music director/orchestra director on several projects I can tell you his vision, musicality, generosity, and skill bring out the best in every performer, creating an environment where every artist thrives.   Jason’s sheer joy when working with our youth and adult artists is contagious.  I would work with him time and time again.”

— Sandy Boren-Barrett, Artistic Director, Stages Theatre Company

“I worked with the very talented Jason Hansen on Guthrie Theatre’s 2024 production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS when Jason served as Associate Conductor and played Keys 2 in the band. Jason proved to be an invaluable member of the creative team working closely with Music Director Denise Prosek and myself.  Jason is an excellent musician with a keen and sensitive ear and he’s a lot of fun to work with.  He collaborates beautifully with all of the performers bringing out the best of their talent and abilities. Denise & Jason made LITTLE SHOP’s classic score soar!”

— Margaret Milgrom Dodge, Director and Choreographer

“Jason transcribed my new musical PROTEST, a Revolutionary Rock Opus 2024.  He met the challenges of taking fourteen songwriters’ recorded songs and transcribing musician's handwritten chords.  Jason created a piano score … including bass chords, and vocal harmonies.   Jason communicated well, met his deadlines, and updated me as needed.”

— Perrin Post, Director and Producer (Buffalo Gals Productions)

“Jason proved to be a supportive and collaborative music director, bringing my compositions to life with creativity and sensitivity for the Next Festival at Theater Latté Da. Since my work involved a lot of traditional nuances that were made suddenly more relevant due to world events, Jason took the time to ask clarifying questions to understand the context better, offering respectful suggestions and kindness during a time he knew was especially difficult for me. He went the extra mile to program MIDI instruments for songs that required unique textures to support a more dynamic proof of concept. He also led with curiosity as he worked with the actors on learning multi-lingual songs in a range of styles. I can see why Jason is in high demand: He's an intuitive creative partner with an upbeat approach to his work. I would be glad to work with him again!”

— Natalie Nowytski, Composer and Musician