JONATHON NEAL
A native of Chicago, IL, Jonathon began his study of music at the age of 9. In high school. He earned All-State Honors for the state of Illinois his senior year in 2008. After high school graduation, Jonathon decided to pursue music education at Howard University. Before finishing his degree at Howard, Jonathon toured the eastern hemisphere with a cruise ship ensemble aboard Azamara Cruises.When he returned to the United States, Jonathon joined the American Federation of Musicians and began a freelance career in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
In 2016 Jonathon served as the principal trumpet in the pit band for a Signature Theatre Production titled, “Jelly’s Last Jam” by George C. Wolfe. Shortly after, Jonathon reenrolled at Howard University to finish his degree.In 2018 Jonathon earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Howard University and that summer he moved to Nashville, TN attend graduate school at Tennessee State University.
Jonathon earned his Master of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction on April 30th, 2021.Jonathon has served on the faculty at Tennessee State University as adjunct trumpet professor and Grambling State University as the Assistant Director of Bands, Upper Brass Instructor, and Director of the Jazz Ensemble.
Outside of education Jonathon served as the music director for Brassville, a local Nashville band that has performed in many of Nashville’s historical venues such as, ACME Feed & Seed, 3rd and Lindsley, and Exit/In. He was an executive board member for the Ruston Cultural District and the Dixie Center for the Arts. In his role he was able to curate a monthly jazz night at the Dixie featuring students from Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University.
At this time, Jonathon is now enrolled as a doctoral student in the Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation program at the University of Michigan Fueled by a constant commitment to self-improvement, Jonathon looks forward to elevating the musical landscape through community driven endeavors.
A native of Chicago, IL, Jonathon began his study of music at the age of 9. In high school. He earned All-State Honors for the state of Illinois his senior year in 2008. After high school graduation, Jonathon decided to pursue music education at Howard University. Before finishing his degree at Howard, Jonathon toured the eastern hemisphere with a cruise ship ensemble aboard Azamara Cruises.When he returned to the United States, Jonathon joined the American Federation of Musicians and began a freelance career in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
In 2016 Jonathon served as the principal trumpet in the pit band for a Signature Theatre Production titled, “Jelly’s Last Jam” by George C. Wolfe. Shortly after, Jonathon reenrolled at Howard University to finish his degree.In 2018 Jonathon earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Howard University and that summer he moved to Nashville, TN attend graduate school at Tennessee State University.
Jonathon earned his Master of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction on April 30th, 2021.Jonathon has served on the faculty at Tennessee State University as adjunct trumpet professor and Grambling State University as the Assistant Director of Bands, Upper Brass Instructor, and Director of the Jazz Ensemble.
Outside of education Jonathon served as the music director for Brassville, a local Nashville band that has performed in many of Nashville’s historical venues such as, ACME Feed & Seed, 3rd and Lindsley, and Exit/In. He was an executive board member for the Ruston Cultural District and the Dixie Center for the Arts. In his role he was able to curate a monthly jazz night at the Dixie featuring students from Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University.
At this time, Jonathon is now enrolled as a doctoral student in the Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation program at the University of Michigan Fueled by a constant commitment to self-improvement, Jonathon looks forward to elevating the musical landscape through community driven endeavors.