Jason Anderson

MAT, Music Education
MA, Jazz Performance, Purchase College (State University of New York)
BA, English/Chinese, University of Utah

Additional Training and Certification

New York State Permanent Teacher Certification (Music K-12)

Biography

Jason is both a broadly experienced player as well as an experienced teacher. He's "a musician who loves teaching; not the other way around." He began playing drums at age 7 and was soon playing with friends and musical groups in SLC. At age 13 he began teaching lessons at home and at a store called Brighton Music, and he kept that up through high school. That store became Musician’s Pro Shop and he taught lessons there while attending the University of Utah. In 1992 Jason co-founded his own teaching studio called OnTrack Music; began performing assemblies in schools called the Potential through Music Program; was on Utah State adjudication boards for music festivals in Utah and Colorado; and was performing in different bands five nights a week. During this time Jason was getting calls from players and shows in New York, and after auditioning over the phone, he flew to New York to go on tour with the Big Apple Circus. From there he continued to play in bands and theater shows in New York City, before pursuing a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance, where he studied with the top jazz artists in the world. Jason graduated with honors and taught jazz at a community college before starting a 21-year career as a middle school Band Director. During that time he still performed and recorded with many jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Reggae, country and techno bands, eventually starting his own 17-piece big band, the U r kul. Project, which was partof his foundation for mental health. (Visit Urkul.org to read more about it). In addition to that, Jason and his wife Misa raised their six children in New York, and now have 8 grandchildren. So, Jason brings a big world of experience to each student and class, and a unique ability tounderstand students’ needs and aspirations, to create goals and tailor lessons to their individual learning styles and pace. Jason loves to work with anyone willing to learn and discover the world of music with him. Students come to him specifically for his knowledge of musician life, musical styles and performance situations, (just his stories alone are worth it...), and to gain advanced technique/improvisation/soloing skills. Jason’s enthusiasm for music, drumming, and learning along with his students is immediately felt with his infectious energy. This, together with his life’s experience and his simple philosophy that learning music is really learning about yourself and your “ginormous” potential, it’s something too precious to miss.

Festivals and Awards

"Esprit de Corps" Award for Overall Excellence (Music in the Parks Festivals, 2008 - 2012)

Professional Affiliations

Jason A. U R Kul. Project
New Rochelle Jazz Orchestra
New York's Big Apple Circus
New York State School Music Association
Percussive Arts Society
Utah Music Educators Association