Jon Oxford
Director, Instrumental Activity
With a robust foundation in performance and education, Jon Oxford brings over two decades of diverse musical experience to their roles as an educator and performer. Jon holds a Master of Music in Jazz Performance & Composition from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and Composition from the University of Central Florida, complemented by an Associate in Arts from Eastern Florida State College and an Associate of Applied Science in Recording Arts from Full Sail University.
Currently serving as the Director of Instrumental Activity at Eastern Florida State College, Jon oversees multiple ensembles, including the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Community Orchestra. Their responsibilities encompass ensemble direction, courses in guitar performance and audio recording, curriculum development, and coordination with adjunct faculty. Prior to overseeing the Instrumental Music department at EFSC, Jon taught as an Instructor of Jazz at Stetson University, where they were transformational to the Jazz Ensemble, as well as developed and taught courses in Jazz History, Jazz Theory, and Advanced Conducting.
Jon’s extensive teaching experience is complemented by a rich background in performance. As a freelance guitarist, they have performed with a wide array of ensembles and artists, from jazz legends like Sam Rivers’ Rejuvenation Orchestra and Chuck Owen to commercial acts such as Mary Wilson of The Supremes. Their symphonic credits include performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and various touring Broadway musicals. A former Army Band guitarist, he led combos and performed in diverse musical settings across Europe and Asia. Their contributions to music also extend to composition and arrangement, with over 30 original works to their credit and an active role in arranging, transcribing, and re-orchestration.
In addition to their musical pursuits, Jon Oxford is a published author, with works including "The Organized Guitarist" and the forthcoming "Rhythmic Elements of the Jazz Language". They are fluent in intermediate French, love to bake, and play video games, and have traveled extensively across the globe, enriching their musical perspective and cultural understanding. An active member of professional organizations such as the Jazz Education Network (JEN), National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and its subgroups, the Florida Bandmaster’s Association (FBA), and The Florida College Music Education Association (FCMEA), and the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC), Jon remains dedicated to advancing music scholarship, education, and performance.