Josh Aguiar is one of Southern California’s best improvising trumpeters. Drawn to jazz at an early age, Josh first apprenticed with the great Bobby Bradford, renowned for his work with Ornette Coleman and other avant-garde luminaries, before heading to Indiana University to study with David Baker, a pioneering giant in the field of jazz education. Josh earned a special commendation from Baker in his final year of study at Indiana University, a Performer’s Certificate, awarded only to most outstanding students in any given year. He later earned his MFA from California Institute of the Arts and his DMA from the University of Southern California.
As a professional, Josh has been active in the Southern California music scene for 15 years. He has recorded on numerous albums, notably Clare Fischer’s latin jazz album, Ritmo!, which garnered a Grammy in 2013. He has taught extensively at all levels, and is currently on staff at Santa Monica College, consistently regarded as one of the best community college music programs in the Los Angeles area. From 2000-2003, he lived in Taipei, Taiwan where he studied Chinese, worked as a translator, and was in demand as both a jazz soloist and as a sideman in the Taiwanese pop scene, playing on various recordings and touring with the great Sticky Rice Band.
His playing is noted for a balance of traditional and modern elements and a lyrical combination of freedom and structure. In addition to the trumpet, Josh is a highly competent pianist and composer. Also evident in his music is the assimilation of Classical music influences, reflecting his years of conservatory study. A consummate professional and dedicated artist, he is comfortable in a variety of genres and settings.
開課資訊：2021 秋季：流行樂和弦分析與實作