Born: June 25, 1977 Primary Instrument: Trombone
Owing to his versatility as a trombonist, composer, and arranger, Yao has enjoyed a steady rise on the New York City jazz scene since arriving from his native Chicago in 2005. He has worked extensively as a sideman for such iconic bands as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which have had great influence on John as artistic director, conductor and composer/arranger of the Yaozeki Big Band. Separately, his small ensemble, John Yao Quintet, released its début recording “In the Now” in April 2012 on Innova Recordings. He received his Bachelors of Music, Jazz Studies from Indiana University and his Masters of Jazz Performance/Composition from Queens College. He has performed with the Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Danilo Perez, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. John has been commissioned to write for various sized ensembles and a wide range of skill levels ranging from beginner to professional.
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Primary Instrument:
Trombone
Location:
Jackson Heights, NY
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
Manhattan School of Music, Guest Lecturer of Private Trombone Lessons,
2011-present
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, $65 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.
