Jason L. Johnson
Thompson's Station,TN
Summary
Nashville-native saxophonist, woodwind doubler, and composer Jason Johnson grew up immersed in the city's rich tapestry of sounds, and now he is quickly becoming one of the most promising and versatile young voices in the Nashville scene. Throughout highschool, Jason studied under the incredible Nashville saxophonist Evan Cobb before continuing to his studies at Vanderbilt University, now studying jazz performance and composition under legendary Saxophonist Jeff Coffin.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelancer Musician
Nashville
01.2024 - Current
- Actively gigging musician in Nashville
- Has performed at various venues such as 3rd and Lindsley, Rudy's Jazz Room, and The Villager
Blair Big Band
Nashville, TN
08.2024 - Current
- Lead Alto 2025-26, Lead Tenor 2026
- Performed at the 2025 Jazz Education Network Conference in Atlanta, the 2025 Bacchanalia Festival, and the first Nashville Jazz Festival in 2025
- Works with artists such as Sean Jones, Jeff Coffin, Ignacio Berroa, and The New York Voices
Blue Note Combo
Nashville, TN
08.2025 - Current
- A member of the top Jazz Combo ensemble at Blair
- Focuses on completely original music/arrangements
- Performed at the events Yusef Lateef Symposium and the first Nashville Jazz Festival, and venues such as the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Rudy's Jazz Room, and 3rd and Lindsley
Summer Jazz Academy
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Red Hook, NY
07.2024 - 07.2024
-Attended the prestigious Summer Jazz Academy summer program hosted by Jazz At Lincoln Center
Nashville Jazz Festival
Nashville, TN
10.2025 - 10.2025
- Performed at the first Nashville Jazz Festival with the Blair Big Band and Vanderbilt Blue Note Combo
Phi Schaap Buchanan Library Fellowship
Blair School of Music
Nashville, TN
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Learned how to proficiently utilize library databases and catalog systems
- Skilled at independent research and script writing
- Developed proficiency in the use of the software Audacity
Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble (Highschool)
Dr. Richard Ripani
Nashville, TN
08.2020 - 05.2024
- The best youth jazz ensemble in Nashville
- Lead alto for the top big band from 2022-24
- Performed around middle TN at venues such as the Nashville Jazz Workshop and hosted their own Jazz Festival.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Jazz Studies
Vanderbilt University/Blair School of Music
Nashville, TN05-2028
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Franklin High School
Franklin, TN01-2024
Skills
- Honorable Mention for the 2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition
- TNMEA All-State 9-12 Jazz Band Alto Sax 1st, 2022-2023
- TNMEA All-State 11-12 Concert Band Alto Sax Candidate, 2022-2023
- TN Governor’s School For The Arts, Saxophonist, 2022, June
Timeline
Nashville Jazz Festival
10.2025 - 10.2025
Phi Schaap Buchanan Library Fellowship
Blair School of Music
09.2025 - 12.2025
Blue Note Combo
08.2025 - Current
Blair Big Band
08.2024 - Current
Summer Jazz Academy
Jazz at Lincoln Center
07.2024 - 07.2024
Freelancer Musician
01.2024 - Current
Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble (Highschool)
Dr. Richard Ripani
08.2020 - 05.2024
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Franklin High School
Bachelor of Science - Jazz Studies
Vanderbilt University/Blair School of Music
Musical Mentors
- Jeff Coffin, Jazz, 615.808.7475, 2024-Present
- Evan Cobb, Jazz, 615.727.3344, 2021-2024
- Brian Cornish, Jazz & Classical, 973.459.9903, 2015-2022
- Concordia Arts Academy, Classical, 615.877.8309, 2012-2015
Organizations
- Blair Big Band, Alto Sax Lead 2024-Present
- Vanderbilt Blue Note Combo, Alto Sax 2025-Present
- Vanderbilt Latin Jazz Combo, Alto Sax 2024-2025
- Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble, 2020-2024