Jon Hatamiya

Jon Hatamiya is a trombonist, composer, and educator based at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he serves as a Lecturer in Jazz Studies. His career spans performance, composition, and education, with notable recognition as a creative voice in modern jazz and fusion.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trombone Performance from Manhattan School of Music (recipient of John Clark Award for excellence in brass performance)
• Master of Music in Jazz Studies from USC Thornton School of Music
• Additional Master of Music from the Herbie Hancock Institute (formerly Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance)

As a performer, Hatamiya has collaborated with prominent artists like Wynton Marsalis, Michael Bublé, and Herbie Hancock. He leads ensembles such as the Jon Hatamiya Big Band and XD 7, blending jazz with electronic, rock, and experimental genres. His compositions and arrangements have been commissioned by institutions and festivals worldwide, including SFJAZZ and the Angel City Jazz Festival.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• 2021 Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note Award for original 40-minute work Where Did It Go?
• 2021 ASCAP Johnny Mandel Prize
• 2015 and 2021 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards
• 2016 Downbeat Student Music Award

He is also an active educator, serving as faculty at the Lafayette Summer Music Jazz Workshop, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and director of USC’s Concert Jazz Orchestra. His work reflects a commitment to innovation and cross-genre collaboration.