The flugelhorn is the brother of the trumpet and is a beautifully sounding instrument that can be used in many different situations. Of course, the flugelhorn produces a very mellow and luscious tone, different to the trumpet's more majestic and powerful timbre. Although the trumpet can be played softly with a darker sound, the flugel can add a nice color contrast to a performance or recording situation. Whether you need to play it in a big band setting, pit orchestra, or want to incorporate it into your own small group, becoming proficient on the flugelhorn can add a whole new dimension to your musical voice. We will work on all aspects of technique and how to utilize the flugelhorn's pedal register. I'll assist you in developing your own sound concept, and provide exercises and practices that will strengthen your flugel chops and help you to develop a strong command of the instrument.
Out of the 30,000+ hours I've invested into my musical practice over the past 2 decades, 2/3 of them have been devoted specifically to trumpet and flugelhorn playing. I've earned Bachelor of Music, Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees all with concentrations in Trumpet Performance and I've been performing, recording and teaching internationally as a trumpeter based out of New York City for over a decade.
My trumpet/flugelhorn playing has appeared on 30 albums, 230 YouTube videos and live on stage with hundreds of highly-acclaimed artists from across the globe. It's earned me high standing in 7 trumpet-based competitions: 1st place in the 2007 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Solo Competition, finalist status in the 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, finalist status in 2014 Juilliard Artist Diploma program, finalist status in the 2020 Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra's 4th Trumpet Vacancy, finalist status in the 2021 U.S. Navy Band Commodores' Jazz Trumpet Vacancy, and recipient of 2020 & 2021 Downbeat Student Music Awards. It's also allowed me the opportunity to pursue and earn my Doctor of Musical Arts degree with full-scholarship, plus paid assistantship.
About Jonathan S.
My name is Jonathan Saraga—professional musician and educator living in New York City. I've been working as a trumpeter, composer, arranger, and studio musician for almost 2 decades and have been teaching privately and/or publicly for the past 7, including 3 at the University level. I've had nearly a decade of conservatory training, including 3 degrees (Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts), as well as over 20 years experience performing, recording, and competing on an international level. I’ve been internationally recognized 30 times as a performing artist, composer and educator in the form of competitive awards, grants and/or selections by organizations like the International Trumpet Guild, the School for Improvisational Music, the Banff Center, the International Songwriting Competition, the ASCAP Foundation, the Recording Academy, BMI, Chamber Music America, the International Society for Improvised Music, Chashama, Unsigned Only Music Competition, the National Parks Art Foundation, the Millay Colony, the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, United States Artists, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the Actors Fund/Local 802 Musicians Union, the Jazz Foundation of America and the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance. I have taught music playing and appreciation courses for New York-based organizations like the Afro-Latin Jazz Academy, the Gramercy Brass Orchestra, the Lyceum Kennedy International School, Jubilee Enrichment Programs, Jazz Empowers and the New York Jazz Academy. I also have 6 semesters of experience as a Graduate Part-Time Instructor at the University of Colorado, where I taught multiple playing ensembles as well as three semesters of a Jazz History lecture class. I specialize in the teaching of Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Composition/Songwriting, Arranging, Music Theory, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Music Appreciation, and Music History.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2009
DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts)
Teaches ages 1+
Speaks English, Music
Has background check
Flugelhorn
Teaches 8 subjects. Different subject may have different prices.
Teacher's Studio
East 82nd St.
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
60 minutes
$80
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30
Photos & videos6 photos & videos
+ 1 more
ReviewsWrite a review
4.5
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Les
Student's home
I would highly recommend Jonathan as a music teacher. Jonathan is absolutely passionate about music, which is evident by his enthusiastic and energetic teaching techniques. He is very patient with my five year old and encourages her to get her very best effort. Jonathan customizes the music and lessons for my daughter’s skill level while at the same time provides challenges to keep the learning process interesting. In a short period of time, my daughter's keyboard playing abilities have dramatically increased. I am very grateful to Jonathan for making learning fun for my daughter, who always looks forward to her lessons!
Posted May 25, 2016
Joanie
Teacher's Studio
Jonathan has made a great impression with my son. He displays a great combination of patience and encouragement with Nick. I have seen an improvement in his trumpet skills as well as his confidence.
Posted May 13, 2016
SONIA
Student's home
NICE, HELPFUL AND PATIENT. THANK YOU.
Posted Feb 25, 2016
Cumulative Experience
Jun 2009 - PresentJonathan Saraga Music
TEACHING/SCHOLASTIC EMPLOYMENT
2017-Present: New York Jazz Academy, New York, NY (10 months/once a week/2-4 hours per week)
2019-2020: Jazz Empowers, New York, NY (9 months/twice a week/2 hours per week)
2016-2019: Thompson Jazz Studies @ University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO (12 months/5 days a week/4-8 hours per week)
2016: New York Ensemble Classes, New York, NY (3 months/once a week/2 hours per week)
2013-2020: Afro-Latin Jazz Academy of Music, New York, NY (6 months/twice a week/2-4 hours per week)
2010-2016: Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York, New York, NY (6 weeks/1-3 hours per week)
2017: Jubilee Summer Enrichment Program, New York NY (6 weeks/1 hour per week)
2015: Lyceum Kennedy International School, New York, NY (7 months/4 hours per week)
DEGREES
2019: Doctor of Music Arts degree - Jazz Studies/Trumpet Performance, University of Colorado, Boulder
2011: Master of Music degree - Jazz Studies/Trumpet Performance, SUNY Purchase
2009: Bachelor of Music degree - Jazz Studies/Trumpet Performance, SUNY Purchase
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
2015: Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music - The Banff Center, Alberta CA
2011: School for Improvisational Music Selective Summer Intensive Program, New York, NY
2010: Master of Music Degree - Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
2007: Vermont Jazz Center Summer Jazz Camp, Burlington, VT
2006: Queens College Summer Jazz Program – Queens College, New York, NY
AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS
2022: Recording Academy Member Class of 2022 – Selected Member
2021: BMI Jazz Composers Workshop - Selected Participant
2021: U.S. Air Force Academy Band jazz/commercial trumpet vacancy auditions - Finalist (1 of 2 candidates)
2021: Unsigned Only Music Competition – Semi-Finalist
2021: U.S. Navy Band Commodores jazz trumpet vacancy (Washington DC, Washington) – Finalist (1 of 2)
2021: Millay Colony for the Arts Core Residency – Waitlist
2021: Haleakala National Park Artist in Residence program (Maui, Hawaii) – Finalist
2021: Downbeat Student Music Award (Graduate College Outstanding Arrangements, Small Ensemble) –Winner/Recipient
2020: GRAMMY-winning Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra’s 4th trumpet chair auditions – Finalist (1 of 3)
2020: BMI Jazz Composers Workshop - Selected Participant
2020: Downbeat Student Music Award (Outstanding Performance, Latin Group, Undergraduate Category) – Winner/Recipient
2020: Association for Popular Music Education conference (Edinburgh Napier University- Edinburgh, Scotland) – Selected Presenter
2020: International Society for Improvised Music conference (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music-Melbourne, Australia) – Selected Presenter
2019: Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works grant competition – Finalist
2017: International Songwriting Competition – Winner/Honorable Mention/Finalist
2017: International Songwriting Competition – Semi-Finalist
2016-19: Full Scholarship w/ Paid Assistantship/Instructorship for Doctor of Musical Arts Degree (University of Colorado, Boulder)
2016: ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award – Winner/Recipient
2016: International Songwriting Competition – Semi-Finalist
2009: Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition – Finalist (1 of 5)
2007: International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition – Winner
GRANTS/COMMISSIONS
2020: United States Artists
2020: International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers
2020: University of Colorado Boulder Music Advisory Board
2020: Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation
2020: The Actors Fund/Local 802 Musicians Union
2020: The Jazz Foundation of America
2020: The Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance
2020: The Recording Academy/MusiCares
RESIDENCIES
2021: Chashama chaNorth Summer Residency program (Hudson Valley, NY)
2019: Banff Early Fall Musicians in Residence program (Alberta, CA)
2015: Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music (Alberta, CA)
2011: School for Improvisational Music Summer Intensive Program (New York, NY)
NOTABLE ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS (all based in New York City unless otherwise noted)
2022: Work cited in Sammy Stein’s book, The Wonder of Jazz (Independent Publishing Network)
2022: Trumpeter w/ Brass Against – Southern Tour, Le Poisson Rouge
2022: BMI Jazz Composers Workshop's 33rd Annual Summer Showcase – Dizzy’s Club Coca- Cola
2022: Featured Performer/Composer for Composers Now Festival Virtual Opening Event
2021: Trumpeter w/ GRAMMY-nominated Terraza Big Band – Terraza 7
2019-20: Trumpeter w/ GRAMMY-nominated Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly of Shadows Orchestra – The Jazz Gallery, Roulette
2019-20: Trumpeter w/ Jihye Lee Jazz Orchestra– Shapeshifter Lab, Birdland
2019-20: Trumpeter w/ Manuel Valera Big Band - Django, Terraza 7
2019-20: Trumpeter w/ Jason Marshall Big Band - Minton's Playhouse
2019: Trumpeter w/ GRAMMY-winning Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra - The Jazz Standard
2019: Trumpeter w/ GRAMMY-winning Mingus Big Band - The Jazz Standard
2019: Trumpeter w/ Birdland Big Band – Birdland
2019: Trumpeter w/ Migiwa Miyajima Jazz Orchestra– Shapeshifter Lab
2018-20: Trumpeter w/ GRAMMY-nominated Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society
2018: Headlining artist for the 1st ever Caribbean International Jazz Festival – Gelee Beach (Les Cayes, Haiti)
2017: Trumpeter w/ MacArthur Fellow Tyshawn Sorey Group - The Met Brewer, The Stone
2017: Release of 2nd album as leader, Journey to a New World (Fresh Sound New Talent)
2016: Soloist in world premiere of GRAMMY-nominated Jimmy Greene Big Band - Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
2015: Lead Trumpeter w/ Eco-Music Big Band - Carnegie Hall
2015: Trumpeter w/ Eric Bergen - Birdland
2015: Trumpeter w/ Djakout Mizik – The Barclay’s Center
2015: Trumpeter w/ Henry Cole group
2015: Trumpeter w/ Steve Coleman large ensemble
2014: Callback for the Juilliard Artist Diploma program auditions
2014: Trumpeter in world premiere of 71 trumpet piece “Trumpet City” by Craig Sheppard
2014: Lead Trumpeter in U.S. National off-Broadway production of Damn Yankees (North America)
2013: Trumpeter w/ the GRAMMY-winning Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra - Birdland
2013: Trumpeter on Island Princess for Princess Cruises (Panama Canal)
2013: Festival of New Trumpet Music world premiere of Henry Brant’s “Flight Over a Global Map” – ‘Roulette
2012: Release of debut album as a leader First Vision (Blue Truffle Music LLC)
2011: Trumpeter at the Blue Note Jazz Festival w/ J.C. Hopkins Biggish Band – The Highline Ballroom
2010: Trumpeter with Zee Ave at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards - Putra World Tower (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
JAZZ FESTIVALS (all as sideman unless otherwise noted)
Caribbean International Jazz Festival (Haiti) – As Leader
The Blue Note Jazz Festival (NY)
Cadence Jazz Festival (NY) – As Leader
Peekskill Jazz Festival (NY) – As Leader
Rochester Jazz Festival (NY)
Albany Jazz Festival (NY)
Anugerah Industri Muzik Awards (Malaysia)
Kompa Music Festival (FL/Paris)
Festival of New Trumpet Music (NY)
RECORDINGS AS A LEADER
2017: “Journey to a New World” (Fresh Sound Records, LLC)
2012/2015: “First Vision” (Blue Truffle Music, LLC)
RECORDINGS AS A SIDEMAN
2022: Tony Max - Love Yourself
2021: Real Stormin' Norman - Euphoria
2021: terrance peng - Bears May Try to Share Your Lunch
2021: ConSoul - Lonestar
2021: Craig Shepard - Trumpet City
2021: Alex Heffron - Looking Out
2020: Gary Fogel Lagtet - In the Nick of Time
2019: Gary Fogel LagTet - It is What it Is
2017: Noah Barker - Business Actual
2016: Eric Block - Spanish Island
2016: Eco-Music Big Band - Rebel Spirits
2016: The Oatmeal Jazz Combo - Instant Oats
2016: Eco-Music Big Band - Colors of Resistance
2016: Afro Peruvian New Trends Orquestra - Uniting Beats (Ritmos Que Unen)
2015: Ece Moisson - Gelmissin
2014: Wynn Walent With - Friends from Here and There
2013: Oatmeal Jazz Combo - Steel Cut Oats
2012: Math of Trees - The Gears Below
2012: Western Sky Music - Stations
2012: Do La Mizik - New York Time
2012: System Band - Se Nou'k Kon'n Fe'l
2011: Mr. Breakdown - Shake Daddy Jupiter
2011: Shedly Abraham - 7th Step
2012: The New York Korean Jazz Orchestra - The First Step
2010: Avishai Darash - Helix Kweentet
2010: Rafrechi - Jwet La Bel Nan Min'w
2009: Charlie Philips - Charlie Phillips
2009: Captain Coconut - Everybody's Business
2008: International Trumpet Guild - The Roads They've Taken: Winners of the ITG Conference Student Jazz Improvisation Competition, 1979-2008
2006: Doug Ratner - Surviving the City
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE VENUES AS LEADER (all venues in New York City unless otherwise noted)
Cornelia St. Café
The Douglas St. Music Collective
Seeds
The Bar Next Door
The Shapeshifter Lab
iBeam
Festival of New Trumpet Music
Smalls Jazz Club
Jazz at the Kitano
Culture Lab LIC
Dazzle Jazz Club (CO)
Nocturne (CO)
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE VENUES AS SIDEMAN (all venues in New York City unless otherwise noted)
The Barclays Center
St. Peter’s Church
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Carnegie Hall
National Arts Club
Symphony Space
NYU Skirball Theater
The Stone
The Cutting Roo
Alice Tully Hall
The Jazz Gallery
Roulette
Le Poisson Rouge
Joe’s Pub
Rose Hall
The Blue Note
The Jazz Standard
Rockefeller Center
Birdland
Jazz at the Kitano
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Fat Cat
Zinc Bar
The Hotel New Yorker
Mezzrow
The Apollo Theater
Smalls Jazz Club
Smoke Jazz Club
St. Peter’s Church
The Douglas St. Music Collective
The Knitting Factory
Sullivan Hall
Firehouse Space
Chris' Jazz Club (Philadelphia PA)
The Painted Bride (Philadelphia PA)
Spirits (Miami, FL)
Bicentanial Park (Miami, FL)
Putra Indoor Stadium (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
REVIEWS
4/4 Stars Recommended – Jazzwise UK (Tony Hall), Journey to a New World, 2017
4/5 Stars – All About Jazz (Troy Dostert), Journey to a New World, 2017
4/5 Stars – Jazz Journal (Brian Morton), Journey to a New World, 2017
3.5/4 Stars - Audiophile Audition (Fritz Balwit) - Journey to a New World, 2017
4/4 Stars – Sea of Tranquility (Jon Neudorf), Journey to a New World, 2017
4/5 Stars – All About Jazz (Dan Bilawsky), First Vision, 2012
4/5 Stars – All About Jazz (Dan McClenaghan), First Vision, 2012
4/5 Stars – All About Jazz (Hrayr Attarian), First Vision, 2012
INTERVIEWS (in no particular order)
Friday Night Jazz (w/ Ray Vega) - Vermont Public Radio
In Frequency (w/ Ethan Helm) podcast
Debbie Burke Jazz Author (two separate blog interviews)
The Trumpet Blog (w/ Bruce Chidester)
KUVO-Denver, CO (w/ Arturo Gomez/Eric Troe)
The Jazz Hole (w/ Linus Wyrsch)
Hawai`I Public Radio (w/ Charles Husson)
Public Radio International (w/ Jeff Hanley)
Pulin 4 Jazz (w/ Rich Pulin)
Sunday Night Jazz (w/ Ron Jackson)
FEATURES
Composers Now (featured piece on their “Sound/Visions” YouTube playlist) We Are The Art
Talent Jungle
Fluke Productions, London
THEATRE (as 1st/lead trumpeter; all performances took place in New York City unless otherwise noted)
2016: Drowsy Chaperone - Riverdale Rising Stars
2015: Anything Goes - AfterWork Theatre
2014: The Wild Party - New Studio on Broadway
2012: Sweet Charity - New Harlem Arts Theater
2012: Damn Yankees - Way-Off Broadway Productions (National Tour)
2011: Guys and Dolls - LaGuardia High School production, LaGuardia High School
DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts)
Aug 2016 - May 2019University of Colorado, Boulder
Jazz and Creative Music
May 2015 - May 2015The Banff Center
Master of Music
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011SUNY Purchase
Improvisational Music
Jun 2010 - Jun 2010School for Improvisational Music
Master of Music
Aug 2009 - May 2010Rutgers University (Mason Gross School of the Arts)
Jazz
Jul 2006 - Jul 2006Vermont Jazz Center
Bachelor of Music
Sep 2005 - Jun 2009SUNY Purchase
Jazz
Jul 2003 - Jul 2003Queens College
English
Native Proficiency
Music
Professional Proficiency
Selected Member: 2022 Recording Academy New Member Class (New York Chapter)
Aug 2022The Recording Academy
Selected Participant: 2021 BMI Jazz Composers Workshop
Sep 2021BMI
Semi-Finalist: 2021 Unsigned Only Music Competition
Jul 2021Unsigned Only Music Competition
Finalist: 2021 U.S. Navy Band Commodores Jazz Trumpet Vacancy
Jun 2021U.S. Navy Band Commodores
Waitlist: 2021 Millay Core Residency
May 2021Millay Colony for the Arts
Recipient: 2021 Downbeat Student Music Award
May 2021Downbeat Magazine
Finalist: 2021 Haleakalá National Park Artist in Residence program
May 2021National Parks Arts Foundation
Selected Participant: 2021 chaNorth Summer Artist Residency
Mar 2021Chashama
Presenter: 2020 International Society for Improvised Music Conference
Dec 2020International Society for Improvised Music
Presenter: 2020 Association for Popular Music Education Conference
Dec 2020Association for Popular Music Education
Recipient: 2020 Downbeat Student Music Award
Jun 2020Downbeat Magazine
Commission: 2020 ISJAC Covid-19 Commission Grant
May 2020International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers
Finalist: 2019 New Jazz Works Grant Competition
Jul 2019Chamber Music America
Selected Participant: 2019 Early Fall Musicians in Residence Program
Jun 2019The Banff Center
Honorable Mention/Finalist: 2018 International Songwriting Competition
Apr 2018International Songwriting Competition
Semi-Finalist: 2017 International Songwriting Competition
Feb 2017International Songwriting Competition
Winner: 2016 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award
Feb 2016The ASCAP Foundation
Selected Participant: 2015 Summer Intensive Program in Jazz and Creative Music
May 2015The Banff Center
Selected Participant: 2011 Summer Intensive Program
Jun 2011School for Improvisational Music
Finalist: 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition
May 2009International Trumpet Guild
1st Place/Winner: 2007 ITG Jazz Solo Competition
Jul 2007International Trumpet Guild
Recipient: 2005 Memorial Music Award
Sep 2005Fred Mazart Foundation
Let Our Student Counselors Help You
We can match you with the perfect teacher and take care of all your scheduling needs.Flugelhorn
Teaches 8 subjects. Different subject may have different prices.
Teacher's Studio
East 82nd St.
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
60 minutes
$80
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30