Jess Julian

Jess Julian (b. 1994) is currently pursuing their Doctorate in Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of Memphis in Tennessee, studying with Dr. Patrick Sutton. Jess’s other guitar mentors include Dr. Lily Afshar, Bret Hoag, Denis Azabagic, and Chuck Newsome. In addition, Jess is a published composer. Their composition mentor is pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman. 

They were the winner of the 2017 Outstanding Student in Instrumental Performance at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where they received their Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance and Music Education degrees. Jess continues to be recognized as an exceptional performer in a variety of genres including classical, jazz, and popular music. They perform as a soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist. In addition, Jess also performs in small and large ensembles such as jazz combos, wind ensembles, and orchestras. 

Activism is an important part of Jess’s work as a performer and composer. In December of 2016, they performed a program of all LGBTQA+ composers and performers. This recital was a “pay-what-you-wish” concert to benefit Oakland University’s Gender Sexuality Center. They also performed Benjamin Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland at a vigil honoring the victims of the Orlando, Florida Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. In 2022, Jess performed at the Mighty Real/Queer Detroit Exhibition for Pride Month. In the same year, they also published an original composition I Will Not Go for SATB and piano, in dedication to queer activism.

In addition to performing and composing, Jess is also a dedicated and accomplished teacher. Jess is on faculty at Mississippi State University as Lecturer of Guitar where they teach guitar lessons and conduct guitar ensembles. In addition, Jess teaches music courses at The University of Memphis such as Introduction to Music and Ear Training. In the past, Jess has been on faculty as the guitar teacher at two Michigan music studios: Rochester Conservatory of Music and Forte Academy of Dance. They have taught ages 6 - 60 years old ranging from beginner to advanced levels. In addition to the diversity in age, they have taught a range of styles such as classical, jazz and popular music. Students of Jess participated in masterclasses, recitals, Michigan Music Festival, and Achievement Testing. Jess is also passionate about bringing music to vulnerable communities. They have taught guitar for the nonprofit charities Guitars Not Guns and The Baldwin Center. Jess also offers lessons private guitar lessons via Zoom. 

In addition to their musical ventures, Jess enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, and coffee.