Faculty Name
Melvin Jones, M.M.
Title
Trumpet Instructor
Department
Music
Phone
404-270-5476
Office Location
Milligan 2102
Education
M.M., Jazz Performance, Rutgers University
B.A., Music, Morehouse College
Biography
Melvin Jones has been in-demand on multiple fronts of the music industry for more than
two decades. This award-winning trumpeter, composer and educator began his
professional journey having already earned his first Grammy Award while attending
Morehouse College in Atlanta. He then went on to receive top academic honors while
earning his Master's Degree at Rutger's University under the intensive instruction of the
late trumpet impresario, William “Prof" Fielder. After completing his formal studies,
Melvin soon returned to Morehouse to serve as the band director, gaining notoriety as a
polished and engaging Masterclass Clinician on various subjects.
His trumpet and arranging work can be heard on over 200 recordings across multiple
genres garnering a host of Grammy Awards and nominations and most recently as
arranger, engineer and performer on Ricky Dillard's latest release entitled "Breakthrough
(2022)." Jones can also be seen and heard on multiple television programs, movies and
nationally-syndicated award shows most recently in the House Band for programs such as the 2021 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame on HBO, "Alter Ego" on FOX (2021), the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, 2021 Soul Train Awards, etc. Having completed a series of extensive tours and productions with Tyler Perry Pre-Covid, Melvin returned to writing music for his long-awaited sophomore album, a follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, "Pivot" on Turnaround Records. Additionally, Jones has remained rigorously engaged throughout the pandemic as an educator, horn arranger, horn contractor, recording engineer, and has once again resumed touring and performing, most notably as a regular member of both Patti LaBelle's and Stevie Wonder's bands.
Currently, Jones serves on faculty at Spelman College, Morehouse College, Georgia Tech University, as Artist in Residence for the US Virgin Islands Department of Education, as Musical Director for the Caribbean Music Institute, and as musical director of the Black Gold Orchestra. He has a well-known passion for teaching but is most excited about the ability to share knowledge and experiences specifically with young, Black, aspiring musicians of all backgrounds. Educational advocacy is the top priority, and Jones hopes to continue opening doors for the next generation of young artists.
Former and Present Memberships and Appointments:
Governor's Board (Atlanta Chapter, Grammy Foundation), Atlanta Arts Council,
NARAS, BMI, GMEA, GAJE, AAJC, NANM, NCBD, IAJE, Board of Directors for
Atlanta Jazz Society, Georgia Council of the Arts, Fulton County Council(s) of
the Arts.
An Endorsing Artist of:
Bach Trumpets, Denis Wick Mouthpieces, Reunion Blues Gig Bags and Cases,
Empire Ears, and Hercules Stands.
Courses Taught
Applied Trumpet
History of Jazz
Music Appreciation
Music Fundamentals
Sight Singing and Ear Training
Orchestration
Research Interests
Brass Pedagogy within the music of African American Composers