Faculty Profiles

Dr. Dan Jonas joined The Music Center’s Community Music School in 2025 after relocating to Battle Creek, Michigan. A seasoned trumpeter, composer, and educator, Dan brings decades of experience as both a performer and teacher. He specializes in jazz and classical trumpet and thrives on helping students connect technical skill with expressive performance. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado, where he studied with Brad Goode and Dr. John Davis. He also earned a Master’s Degree and a Performance Certificate in Jazz Composition from DePaul University, and a Bachelor’s in Trumpet Performance from the University of New Mexico. Dan currently teaches trumpet and jazz studies at The Music Center and previously served as Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Music Program at Weber State University in Utah. There, he directed jazz ensembles, taught jazz theory and history, and led numerous curriculum initiatives. He also held teaching roles at Sacramento State University and Cosumnes River College. Dan performs regularly in Michigan and beyond and is a longtime collaborator with the acclaimed group Hot House West. His career includes performances with renowned artists such as Maria Schneider, Jon Faddis, Aretha Franklin, Phil Woods, and Maynard Ferguson. “My favorite thing about the trumpet is its prominence, that it plays such an important melodic role in every setting. I enjoy watching students embrace this role and seeing the confidence it gives them.” As a composer and recording artist, Dan’s projects include Folk Songs, a chamber collection for trumpet and cello quartet, and The Spirituality Suite, a full-length album of original works. His playing can also be heard on numerous jazz and ensemble recordings across the U.S. and abroad.