Dr. Kevin Kjos is the Director of Jazz and Commercial Studies and Professor of Trumpet at Kutztown University where he directs Jazz Ensembles II and II, Rock Ensemble I.  The innovative Rock Ensembles at KU have been recognized the past two years by Downbeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards.  As Director of Jazz and Commercial Studies, he oversees one of the finest jazz/rock faculties in the nation, including Adam Kolker, saxophones; John Riley, drums; Scott Lee, bass and combos; Neal Kirkwood, piano; Ben Sher, guitar and combos; Jamal Jones, Jazz and Commercial Arranging, Improvisation; Jack Furlong, Rock Ensembles II and III; Kristin Grassi-Cochran, commercial voice and Cathy Chemi, jazz voice.  

 

He is the author of two books about teaching: Teaching Through Imitation, A Jazz Ensemble Guide, written for the music educator, and Reflections on the Teaching of William Adam, a book analyzing the teaching methods and techniques of master trumpet pedagogue William Adam through extensive interviews with William Adam and research into both non-academic and academic pedagogy. 

 

He was recently honored with the President's Award from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire for outstanding alumni achievement. Dr. Kjos holds a Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, and a Doctorate of Music from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University-Bloomington. He was awarded a membership by Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society in 1998.  His teachers include Robert Baca, William Adam, Dominic Spera, John Rommel and David Baker.