Jess Julian

Jess Julian (b. 1994) is currently pursuing their Doctorate in 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 also a published composer. Their composition mentor is pianist and composer Stephen Prutsman. Jess also has research regarding Libby Larsen's guitar music published 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, Jess performed at the Mighty Real/Queer Detroit Exhibition for Pride Month. In the same year, they also published an original composition I Will Not Go for SATB, 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, and Guitar Ensemble. In addition, Jess teaches music courses at The University of Memphis such as Introduction to Music and Ear Training. They are also in an 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. They have taught ages 6 - 60 years old ranging from beginner to advanced levels. In addition to the diversity in age, they have taught a range of styles such as classical, jazz and popular music. Students of Jess participated in masterclasses, recitals, Michigan Music Festival, 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.