New York City, 2014

 

JOE DIXON is well known as a trombonist, lecturer on brass pedagogy, wind ensemble clinician, and authority on teaching techniques for young instrumentalists. He presents masterclasses throughout the United States to thousands of young performers each year and serves as Brass Consultant for dozens of Texas school music programs.

JOE DIXON is a recipient of the 2018 Foundation Award from The Foundation for Music Education for "a career of exemplary music teaching, leadership, and passion for excellence in music."

His principal teachers were LEON BROWN (University of North Texas) and ALLEN OSTRANDER (Bass Trombone, New York Philharmonic; NBC Symphony under Toscanini; Juilliard). Additional study was with ROGER SMITH (Solo Trombone, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Juilliard), GLENN DODSON (Assistant Principal Trombone, Chicago Symphony; Principal Trombone, Philadelphia Orchestra).

JOE DIXON began teaching trumpet and trombone at the age of 16 and by the age of 19 maintained a private studio of 120 students. His studio students have been welcomed at many of the world's great music schools including The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, Indiana University, University of North Texas, Harvard University, and the Royal Academy of Music (London). His students have performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Italian National Radio Orchestra (RAI), San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico, and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles in North & South America, Europe, and Asia.

JOE DIXON has presented hundreds of teacher training programs and has given masterclasses and lectures at numerous universities, specialist schools, as well as music educator conventions. His mini-residencies and lectures have included visits to the New England Conservatory, Indiana University, St. Louis Low Brass Collective, University of Houston, University of Texas, Sam Houston State University, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, as well as presentations in Germany and Italy. He has presented clinics for the Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association on numerous occasions.

JOE DIXON is an Edwards Artist / Clinician.

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"As a former student of Joe Dixon, I know first-hand that he is the one of the best trombone teachers for students of all ages. Joe was my first teacher when I started trombone in the sixth grade, and he continues to be someone for whom I still play. He possesses a rare quality in that he can communicate to anyone of any age. I have attended and performed in his masterclasses in the past - I would highly recommend his teachings to any brass player!"

STEPHEN LANGE - Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra

"Joe Dixon is an outstanding teacher of trombone, exemplified by the amazing number of excellent players he's cranked out over the years - all with a thorough knowledge of the instrument and command of the basics - with an obvious love of the art. Many have gone into music professionally and have positions in major American and European orchestras."

KEITH BROWN - Professor Emeritus, Indiana University (formerly Philadelphia Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Brass Quintet)

"I owe much of the success that I have had as a professional trombonist to the amazingly sound fundamental teaching that I received from Joe Dixon. He is one of the absolutely best teachers of brass fundamentals working today. In addition to the great physical training, Joe also encourages his students to develop a broad and varied musical education; he does not create "brass jocks", but brass musicians. Joe Dixon is a superb human being which the brass-playing community is very fortunate to have."

JOSEPH W. BURNAM - Principal Trombone, Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI (Italian National Radio/Television)

"Joe Dixon is the master brass pedagogue. His presentations are extremely thorough and easily understood by the beginning teacher and student. I know of no other person who has information covering brass pedagogy from the beginning level to professional performance. He has the ability to encourage the young player to reach levels of performance unattained by students of other teachers. He is responsible for the low brass concept of my ensemble at the University of Houston. If one needs a person to talk to their teaching staff or to improve the low brass sections of their ensembles, there is no other person who can communicate the information in a more entertaining and logical way. I have learned so much about brass pedagogy from Joe. It is not an overstatement to say that no one can help you more."

EDDIE GREEN - Clinician, Director Emeritus, Wind Ensemble, University of Houston

"I have worked with Joe Dixon in many collaborative venues for the past thirty years. He is undoubtedly a WORLD class brass pedagogue and has achieved spectacular results at every level of student development from beginner to professional. He is remarkably effective as a teacher of all brass instruments in both the individual and master class settings. His information is brilliant and his presentation clear, concise and entertaining. I cannot recommend Joe highly enough. He is certainly my greatest influence where brass concepts are involved."

TOM BENNETT - Clinician, former Director, Wind Ensemble, University of Houston

“Joe Dixon is the rare combination of brilliant artist and insightful teacher. He not only teaches successful performers, but nurtures teachers in many disciplines. His genuine love of teaching music allows him to speak effectively and artistically to students of any age and accomplishment. He has profoundly influenced a generation of professional brass players and established a pedagogical praxis that will be the foundation of the generation to follow. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with him and the profound effect he has had on me as a musician and teacher.”

MATTHEW McINTURF - Director of Bands, Sam Houston State University

 

"My students and I thoroughly enjoyed your visit and your many words of wisdom. We all felt energized, entertained, and enlightened. Let's do it again!"

DR. NATHANIEL BRICKINS - Professor of Trombone, University of Texas; Past President, International Trombone Association

 

 

PHOTOS OF MY FORMER TEACHERS AND THEIR LOW BRASS SECTIONS

 

My teacher Allen Ostrander (center), with the New York Philharmonic low brass circa 1960's.

 

My teacher Glenn Dodson (front), with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra low brass circa mid 1960's - prior to his move to become Principal with Philadelphia.

 

 

Dixon in Venice