Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson is an award-winning educator and versatile musician, currently serving as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Ensembles/Applied Jazz Trombone at St. Olaf College. With training in both classical and jazz traditions, Dr. Jefferson is a dynamic performer, excelling as a soloist and chamber musician in jazz, symphonic, and commercial settings both nationally and internationally. Dr. Jefferson has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Yamaha's “40 under 40” music educators in 2023 and the 2022 Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the Jazz Education Network. His scholarly contributions include research on the "Shout Band Tradition" and publications on "The Art of Jazz Programming."
As a performer, Dr. Jefferson has shared the stage with prominent artists and groups such as Vanessa Williams, Sean Jones, Catherine Russell, Walter Blanding, The Colour of Music Orchestra, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, and international R&B artists Dwele and Raheem Devaughn. He has also performed as a soloist with ensembles including the Marshall University Jazz Ensemble, George Fox University Jazz Ensemble, and the SEMO Wind Symphony.
Dr. Jefferson is a sought-after guest artist and presenter, having appeared at major events like the Texas Music Educators Clinic/Conference (TMEA), International Trombone Festival, Jazz Education Network Conference, and the Reno Jazz Festival. He has also performed and taught internationally, including at Mahidol University in Thailand.
An esteemed jazz director and educator, Dr. Jefferson has conducted state and honor ensembles across Arkansas, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, Idaho, and Oregon. He has also taught at the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy and the International Trombone Festival’s Youth Workshop. His dedication to teaching and performance has been recognized with awards such as the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor in the Arts, the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network Impact Award, and the Outstanding Teaching Award at Southeast Missouri State University.
Before joining St. Olaf College, Dr. Jefferson held faculty positions at Southeast Missouri State University, The University of Portland, and Treasure Valley CC. He holds degrees from Norfolk State University (B.M.), Shenandoah Conservatory (M.M.), and West Virginia University (D.M.A.), studying under esteemed faculty like Dr. Keith Jackson, Dr. Wayne Wells, Dr. Mike Hall, and Mr. Paul Adams. His additional instruction came from notable musicians such as Joseph Alessi, Andre Hayward, Amanda Stewart, Vincent Gardner, and Dr. Natalie Mannix. Dr. Jefferson is actively involved in the music and education community through memberships in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Jazz Education Network, International Trombone Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association. He serves on the National Advisory Board for the “One City” program at VanderCook College of Music and as the Jazz Content Editor for the Historical Brass Society. He frequently serves as an adjudicator and consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
