John Yao

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . . .”

– Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“His tone is robust, clean, fluid and deft, recalling J.J. Johnson.  While his music is complex, modernistic and updated, full of counterpoint, it’s very accessible and so much fun.”

– Michael G Nastos, Hot House Jazz Magazine

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“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader . . .”

– Alan Young, Lucid Culture

“His tone is robust, clean, fluid and deft, recalling J.J. Johnson.  While his music is complex, modernistic and updated, full of counterpoint, it’s very accessible and so much fun.”

– Michael G Nastos, Hot House Jazz Magazine

“. . . a strong compositional voice and effective band-leader able to use his 17-piece band to paint across a wide spectrum and infuse his complex writing with a thoughtful balance of audacity, structure, humor, and sonic might.”

– Franz Matzner, All About Jazz

“His writing is creative and full of surprises . . . John Yao is on his way. He’s definitely on his way.  And I’m definitely ready to hear more.”

– Jim McNeely, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

“. . .we may be living through a golden age for trombone players in the world of jazz.  Add another name to their ranks – John Yao.”

– Jeffery Siegel, Straight No Chaser – A Jazz Podcast

“Yao’s blend of the inside and the outside ultimately yields considerable rewards.”

– Alex Henderson, Jazz Inside NY Magazine

“. . an evolving artist who continues to grow at a rapid pace.”

– Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

“John Yao makes it clear he’s not content to stand still. “

– Jeff Potter, Downbeat

“. . a tuneful, epically-inclined, cinematic trombonist.”

–  Alan Young, New York Music Daily

“Yao’s trombone is nice and warm but it can also be cutting, as on the contemplative “Reflection”, morphing into slightly off-kilter decisiveness.”

– Elliot Simon, New York City Jazz Record

“Yao’s compositions skirt the line between structured chaos and freely improvised unity.”

–  Bob Pomeroy, Ink 19

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Primary Instrument

Trombone

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Berklee College of Music, Assistant Professor of Trombone Molloy College, Adjunct Professor of Music Manhattan School of Music, Guest Lecturer of Private Trombone Lessons, 2011-2014 Temple University, Guest Lecturer of Jazz Combos, Latin Ensemble and Private Trombone Lessons, 2007 - 2009 Boston University, Online Facilitator for Jazz and Pop Arranging Class, 2007 York College, York College Big Band, Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble, Summer Jazz Workshop, Adjunct Faculty – Private Trombone Lessons, 2008- present Jazz Project at Kupferberg Center Performances, Clinician for New York High Schools in Queens, 2007 – present Third Street Music Settlement, Teaching Artist, Beginning Band and Brass Instructor, New York Public Schools PS190, PS 99, TASS MS301, Young Women’s Leadership School of Brooklyn, PS 142, 2008 – present The Dwight School, Private Trombone Lessons – 2011 - present New York Summer Music Festival, Private Trombone Lessons, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Combos – 2010 - present Available for private lessons by appointment, $90 per hour, one hour minimum.

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Primary Instrument

Trombone

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Berklee College of Music, Assistant Professor of Trombone Molloy College, Adjunct Professor of Music Manhattan School of Music, Guest Lecturer of Private Trombone Lessons, 2011-2014 Temple University, Guest Lecturer of Jazz Combos, Latin Ensemble and Private Trombone Lessons, 2007 - 2009 Boston University, Online Facilitator for Jazz and Pop Arranging Class, 2007 York College, York College Big Band, Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble, Summer Jazz Workshop, Adjunct Faculty – Private Trombone Lessons, 2008- present Jazz Project at Kupferberg Center Performances, Clinician for New York High Schools in Queens, 2007 – present Third Street Music Settlement, Teaching Artist, Beginning Band and Brass Instructor, New York Public Schools PS190, PS 99, TASS MS301, Young Women’s Leadership School of Brooklyn, PS 142, 2008 – present The Dwight School, Private Trombone Lessons – 2011 - present New York Summer Music Festival, Private Trombone Lessons, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Combos – 2010 - present Available for private lessons by appointment, $90 per hour, one hour minimum.

Clinic/Workshop Information

Trombone Masterclass (for all brass instruments) A thorough understanding of fundamental brass techniques, such as breathing, posture, tone, technique and style is essential to playing a brass instrument. These concepts will be demonstrated along with an approach to practicing them for all levels of experience. Improvisation Masterclass (for all levels) This clinic is an open discussion of improvisation and a demonstration of how to incorporate basic musical tools and vocabulary in the context of a solo. It will also examine methods of practicing improvisation. Big Band/Combo Masterclass The art of playing in an ensemble is one of the more challenging yet rewarding experiences in music. Concepts discussed will include style, various rehearsal techniques, selection of repertoire, application of musical skills and understanding each individual's role not only within their specific section, but also within the entire ensemble.

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