Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson is an award-winning educator, performer, and scholar known for his versatility and leadership in music. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Ensembles at St. Olaf College, where he also teaches applied jazz/commercial trombone. With a strong foundation in both classical and jazz traditions, Dr. Jefferson is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician whose performances span jazz, symphonic, and commercial styles on national and international stages.

Widely recognized for his impact as a music educator, Dr. Jefferson was named one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” in 2023 and received the Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the Jazz Education Network in 2022. His academic contributions include research on the Shout Band tradition and publications such as “The Art of Jazz Programming.”

A testament to his pedagogical excellence, Dr. Jefferson’s students and ensembles have received national and international recognition, including finalist placements in solo competitions and honorable mentions abroad. His distinguished leadership in revitalizing the jazz program at Southeast Missouri State University was recognized by Yamaha’s Lean Into Change initiative for its innovative and comprehensive transformation. Most recently, under his direction, St. Olaf Jazz I was selected to perform at the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference—one of the most esteemed events in music education.

Dr. Jefferson’s performance credits include collaborations with celebrated artists and ensembles such as Vanessa Williams, Sean Jones, Catherine Russell, Walter Blanding, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, the Colour of Music Orchestra, and international R&B icons Dwele and Raheem DeVaughn. He has also appeared as a featured soloist with groups including the Marshall University Jazz Ensemble, George Fox University Jazz Ensemble, and the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra.

A sought-after clinician and guest conductor, Dr. Jefferson has presented and performed at major conferences and festivals including the Texas Music Educators Association Convention (TMEA), Flordia Music Educators Association Convention (FMEA), Oregon Music Educators Association Convention (OMEA), The International Trombone Festival, the Jazz Education Network Conference, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and the Reno Jazz Festival. His international teaching and performing engagements include appearances in British Overseas Territory (Bermuda), Southeast Asia (Thailand), and South America (Brazil).

He regularly serves as a clinician for Jazz at Lincoln Center and most recently was a judge for the 30th Anniversary of the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious high school jazz competitions in the United States.

Dedicated to music education and mentorship, Dr. Jefferson has directed all-state and honor ensembles in Arkansas, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, Idaho, and Oregon. He has also served on the faculty of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy and the International Trombone Festival’s Youth Workshop. His excellence in teaching has earned distinctions such as the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor in the Arts, Shenandoah University’s Black Alumni Network Impact Award, and the Outstanding Teaching Award at Southeast Missouri State University.

Prior to joining the faculty at St. Olaf College, Dr. Jefferson held teaching positions at Southeast Missouri State University, the University of Portland, and Treasure Valley Community College. He earned his B.M. from Norfolk State University, M.M. from Shenandoah Conservatory, and D.M.A. from West Virginia University, studying under the tutelage of Dr. Keith Jackson, Dr. Wayne Wells, Dr. Mike Hall, and Mr. Paul Adams. He has also received mentorship and masterclass instruction from renowned artists such as Joseph Alessi, Amanda Stewart, Vincent Gardner, Andre Hayward, and Dr. Natalie Mannix.

Dr. Jefferson remains deeply engaged in the broader music community. He served as Jazz Content Editor for the Historical Brass Society and is a member of the National Advisory Board for the “One City” program at VandeCook College of Music. He maintains active membership in professional organizations such as the Jazz Education Network, International Trombone Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

As a Yamaha Performing Artist/Educator, Dr. Jefferson proudly performs exclusively on Yamaha instruments.