Jess Julian

Jess Julian (b. 1994) is currently pursuing their Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of Memphis in Tennessee, studying with Dr. Patrick Sutton. Jess’s other guitar mentors include Dr. Lily Afshar, Bret Hoag, Denis Azabagic, and Chuck Newsome. Professor Julian has performed in masterclasses for Thomas Flippin, Steve Goss, Meng Su, Kasia Smolarek, Rene Izquierdo, David Leisner, William Kanengiser, Hilary Field, Armin Abdihodzic, Robert Gibson, Richard Miller, Xavier Jara, Stephen Aron, Thibaut Garcia, Roberto Fabbri, Celino Romero, and Anton Baranov. In addition, Jess is a published composer. Jess' composition mentor is pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman. Jess also has research regarding Libby Larsen's guitar music published in Soundboard.

Professor Julian has received accolades through the Beethoven Club Young Artist Competition in Memphis, Tennessee in 2022, and has won the 2017 Outstanding Student in Instrumental Performance MaTilDa Award at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where Jess received a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance and Music Education degrees. Jess continues to be recognized as an exceptional performer in a variety of genres including classical, jazz, and popular music. Professor Julian performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist. In addition, Jess also performs in small and large ensembles such as jazz combos, wind ensembles, and orchestras. 

Jess is a dedicated and accomplished educator and guest lecturer. Jess is on faculty at Mississippi State University as Lecturer of Guitar where they teach Guitar Lessons, Guitar Pedagogy, Guitar Literature, Guitar Ensemble, and Music Appreciation. In the past, Jess has also taught Music Theory, Ear Training, and Music Appreciation courses at The University of Memphis, in-demand as guest lecturer. In 2024, Jess presented "Exploring Libby Larsen's Sarabande in Profane Style" at The College of Music Society 2024 Southern Chapter Conference. In the past, Jess has been on faculty as the guitar teacher at two Michigan music studios: Rochester Conservatory of Music and Forte Academy of Dance. Over the years, Professor Julian has taught a range of students of all ages from beginner to advanced. Some students are young children, some are young adults, some are adults in retirement, and everything in between.  In addition to the diversity in level and age, Jess has taught a range of styles such as classical, jazz and popular music. Students of Jess participate in masterclasses, recitals, festivals, gigs, and achievement testing. Professor Julian has taught guitar for the nonprofit charities Guitars Not Guns and The Baldwin Center. Jess also offers private guitar lessons via Zoom. 

Jess enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, and coffee.