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. They have 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. Their composition mentor is pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman. Jess also has research regarding Libby Larsen's guitar music published in Soundboard.

They have received accolades through the Beethoven Club Young Artist Competition in Memphis, Tennessee in 2022. They also won the 2017 Outstanding Student in Instrumental Performance MaTilDa Award at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where they received their 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. They perform 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. 

Activism is an important part of Jess’s work as a performer and composer. In December of 2016, they performed a program of all LGBTQA+ composers and performers. This recital was a “pay-what-you-wish” concert to benefit Oakland University’s Gender Sexuality Center. They also performed Benjamin Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland at a vigil honoring the victims of the Orlando, Florida Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. In 2022 and 2024, Jess performed at the Mighty Real/Queer Detroit Exhibition for Pride Month. Also in 2022, they also wrote an original composition I Will Not Go for SATB and piano, in dedication to queer activism.

Jess is also 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. They are also an in-demand 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, they have 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, they have taught a range of styles such as classical, jazz and popular music. Students of Jess participate in masterclasses, recitals, festivals, gigs, and achievement testing. Jess is also passionate about bringing music to vulnerable communities. They have taught guitar for the nonprofit charities Guitars Not Guns and The Baldwin Center. Jess also offers private guitar lessons via Zoom. 

In addition to their musical ventures, Jess enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, and coffee.