TJ Dust

Dr. Thomas J. Dust is a Professor in the Department of Secondary Education within the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. He holds dual appointments as Director of the University of Alberta Marching Band (established 2016) and Conductor of the University of Alberta Convocation Band (Local 390 AFM). His academic credentials include a Doctor of Music Education (Indiana University Jacobs School of Music), Master of Music in Jazz Studies, and undergraduate degrees in Science and Music Education from the University of Alberta.

Dr. Dust's teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate courses focused on secondary music curriculum design, wind band pedagogy, and professional teaching practices. Notable courses include EDSE 343/344 (Wind Band Pedagogy for Majors/Minors), EDSE 443 (Advanced Wind Band Studies), and EDSE 401/501 (Professional Development Seminars).

His research focuses on music education history, brass pedagogy, and jazz composition. Key contributions include studies on Alberta's instrumental music curriculum development, early Canadian West music education systems, and trumpet embouchure techniques. He has authored over 20 jazz compositions/arrangements performed by university ensembles and professional bands.

Dr. Dust maintains active professional affiliations with MENC, IAJE, International Trumpet Guild, and the American Federation of Musicians. His performance career includes work with notable ensembles like the Tommy Dorsey Show Orchestra and numerous circus/band shows. He has reviewed over 30 jazz recordings and textbooks for The Instrumentalist and contributed to major jazz pedagogy publications.

Lab affiliations include the University of Alberta Marching Band program and the Jazz Band II ensemble. His current projects involve historical research on Indigenous brass bands in Alberta and pedagogical innovations in secondary music teacher training.