Antonio J. García

Antonio J. García is a performer, composer/arranger, producer, clinician, educator, and author in both instrumental and vocal genres.

A Professor Emeritus and the former Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, 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 and in Canada, Europe, South Africa, Australia, The Middle East, and across the U.S. He was tenured at Northern Illinois, Northwestern, and VCU; received NIU’s Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and the VCU School of the Arts’ Faculty Award of Excellence; is a past nominee for CASE U.S. Professor of the Year, a member of the Conn-Selmer Institute Hall of Fame, and is a 2023 recipient of The Midwest Clinic’s Medal of Honor.

A Conn-Selmer clinician/soloist and avid scat-singer, Tony is the only individual to have directed all three genres of Illinois All-State jazz ensembles: combo, vocal jazz choir, and big band. Books include Cutting the Changes: Jazz Improvisation via Key Centers (Kjos Music) and Jazz Improvisation: Practical Approaches to Grading (Meredith Music). He currently resides in his native New Orleans.

Visit his web site at www.garciamusic.com