Jay Thomas: Player and Teacher

I bring experience both as a teacher and as a career musician to my students. I grew up in a house where jazz music was revered, so I am knowledgeable about the history as well as the current state of jazz.

I have been very lucky to have known and worked with many jazz legends, and from these experiences, I have gained a much better understanding of what is needed for a successful life in jazz. I have played with and recorded with many jazz greats such a Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Jake Hanna, Harold Land, Herb Ellis, Buddy Tate, Jay McShann, Jessica Williams, Ray Brown, Elvin Jones, George Cables, Matt Wilson, Gary Smulyan, and many more.

I also have a cache of jazz stories and legends that are part of the oral “passing down” of this great art form we love so much. All jazz musicians like to tell stories. Usually, the stories, as well as being entertaining, contain some essential wisdom about life and existence. Telling stories, after all, is what we try to do when we play jazz!

I had the honor to be selected to teach the University of Washington “Lab Jazz Big Band” for two years. I also spent ten years teaching bands at Garfield High School and was an adjunct teacher at the Cornish School of Music.

I am currently a faculty member at Centrum Jazz Camp in Port Townsend, the University of Washington Jazz Camp, the Cornish Summer Camp, a weekly Jazz Night School class, and a new “Hard Bop” camp with trumpeter, teacher Michael VanBebber.

Much farther from home, I travel to Japan regularly, conducting clinics and teaching privately. When I teach, I also learn from my students, as we re-examine jazz recordings and jazz pedagogy. The fact that teacher and student are both learning is the key to an honest relationship with young players and students. We are all trying to learn and better ourselves, and as a lifelong student myself, I can help identify some of the signposts along the way.

I am experienced in teaching jazz theory, improvisation, and have a good track record working with jazz rhythm sections. I play trumpet, saxes, and flute. As a multi-instrumentalist, I have received good reviews from national jazz journalists on all instruments.

In my private practice in my home studio and public-school settings, I have worked with young and seniors, from 10 years old to 60 plus. I have successfully taught students with a variety of abilities, from trumpet prodigies to students with disabilities.

As a teacher of instrumentalists, I bring extensive knowledge of equipment for both wind and brass players. I have often helped young players repair their sound by encouraging them to alter their horn playing “set-up.” I find that this problem is all too often not addressed by many teachers. I have extensive experience assisting pros and students with mouthpiece and horn selection.

As well as teaching jazz, I also stress the importance of being flexible and capable in a variety of genres. Technique and reading, and playing in tune with a good sound in the appropriate style of the situation are all things I work on with my students.

My life in music and the many situations and styles I have had to familiarize myself with have provided me with insight regarding what skills students need for a life in music.

Jay Thomas, 2020