Kirby Fellis

Kirby Fellis serves as Jazz Trombone Instructor at Northern Illinois University's School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, while maintaining full-time faculty positions at Harper College and teaching roles at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A Chicago-based performer and educator, he bridges traditional jazz foundations with contemporary innovation through performance and mentorship.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University
• M.M. in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University (studying under Tom Garling, Michael Dease, and Andre Hayward)

As a performer, Fellis has collaborated with Darius Rucker, Common, Kurt Elling, and the Count Basie Orchestra, earning recognition from Jazz at Lincoln Center, Detroit Jazz Festival, and Chicago Jazz Festival. His research focuses on jazz pedagogy and trombone performance techniques, emphasizing versatile musicianship development.

Professional affiliations include:

• Jazz Education Network (JEN)
• International Trombone Association (ITA)
• Birch Creek Music Performance Center
• Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra jazz program

Fellis directs student ensembles, provides individual instruction, and develops curriculum across multiple institutions while actively contributing to Chicago's jazz education ecosystem through clinics, masterclasses, and festival adjudication.