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Jonathan Shutman
Former Elementary School Principal and part-time educational consultant and writer. Time now to play.
About Me
In his youth Jon studied classical flute with the renowned flutist and teacher, Frances Blaisdell. Miss Blaisdell’s
mentoring helped Jon in his high school years become first chair flutist in the NJ All State Band and receive a
scholarship to the National Music Camp where he was assistant principal flutist with the National Youth Symphony.
While Jon did not study music in college, he developed an abiding interest and love for jazz. After college, Jon went
to California where he had the privilege to study in San Francisco at the Both/And Club Jazz Harmony with Bobby
Hutcherson and Woody Shaw.
Jon returned to Syracuse University to complete a masters in Elementary and Urban Education, and then returned to
NJ. While teaching part time Jon took classes with Ted Dunbar and Kenny Barron in the Jazz Studies program at
Rutgers University in the mid 70s.
Jon continued teaching and became a school administrator and principal obtaining a doctoral degree in education
while serving as principal. Retiring in 2013, Jon writes on education and politics, and his love of music and Jazz has
taken on a central role. He has performed in pit bands for community and college theater, a professional production
at the Count Basie Theater and with the Seanote Jazz group.
My Jazz Story
My House Concert Story
There is a monthly session of first rate players publicized by and run by trombonist Caleb Eckstein in Princeton Junction at Salon 33. Information is found on FB under Jersey Jazz Sessions.
