Garrett Motes is the Instructor of Jazz Studies at the University of West Georgia. With a solid foundation in music education and performance, he brings a wealth and variety of experience to his role. He holds a bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Point University and master’s degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Georgia State University.

While at Georgia State University, he studied under Dave Frackenphol and performed with musicians such as Tom Scott, Miguel Zenon, and Mike Holober. Additionally, he has performed as a soloist for the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, the Fulton County "Arts in the City" initiative, and held music director positions for many metro Atlanta churches–showcasing his versatility and commitment to musical expression in various contexts.

Prior to teaching at the University of West Georgia, Professor Motes taught at Point University and Lagrange College as Guitar Instructor and Professor of American Music History. In addition to teaching the jazz courses, he also leads the University Big Band and jazz combo groups. While his degrees are in music performance, he has a deep passion for music history–specifically American music history–from the development of jazz as a uniquely American art form by way of the blues and gospel, through its natural progression to hip hop and R&B.

Endlessly curious, Garrett Motes has played everything from bluegrass to metal to jazz and everything in between. He believes that there is value in all music and endeavors to instill that sense of curiosity and open-mindedness to his students.