Clinician: Antonio Garcia

Antonio J. García is a performer, composer/arranger, producer, clinician, educator, and author in both instrumental and vocal genres and a 2023 recipient of The Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor. A Professor Emeritus and the former Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, his newest book, Jazz Improvisation: Practical Approaches to Grading (Meredith Music), explores avenues for creating structures that correspond to course objectives. His Cutting the Changes: Jazz Improvisation via Key Centers (Kjos Music) offers musicians of all ages the opportunity to improvise over standard tunes using just their major scales.

He has performed as trombonist, bass trombonist, or pianist with 70 major artists including Ella Fitzgerald, George Shearing, Mel Tormé, Billy Eckstine, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, Dave Brubeck, and Phil Collins. A Conn Selmer clinician/soloist and avid scat-singer, he is Past Associate Jazz Editor for the International Trombone Association Journal, Past Editor of the International Association for Jazz Education Jazz Education Journal, Past President of IAJE-IL, Board Secretary of The Midwest Clinic, Past Advisory Board Member of the Brubeck Institute, is Co-Editor/Contributing Author of Teaching Jazz: A Course of Study, and authored a chapter within Rehearsing The Jazz Band and The Jazzer’s Cookbook. He is the only individual to have directed all three genres of Illinois All-State jazz ensembles: combo, vocal jazz choir, and big band (plus All-County and community concert bands and orchestras). He served as a Network Expert (for Improvisation Materials) for the Jazz Education Network. His articles have been widely published; and his compositions have been published by Kjos, Hal Leonard, Kendor, Doug Beach, ejazzlines, Walrus, UNC Jazz Press, Three-Two Music, Potenza Music, and his own company. García is also the subject of an extensive interview within Bonanza: Insights and Wisdom from Professional Jazz Trombonists (Advance Music). He currently resides in his native New Orleans.