JT Cummings, Trombone, Euphonium

JT Cummings (they/them) is an enthusiastic trombonist and music educator based in the greater New York area, currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance at Stony Brook University. They hold dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance from the
University of Hartford’s Hartt School (2023), followed by a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from
Stony Brook in 2025.

JT’s artistic journey has been shaped by the mentorship of Richard Stout of the Cleveland Orchestra, John Rojak of the American Brass Quintet, and guidance of former instructors Haim Avitsur and Andrea Neumann. As a versatile performer, they have appeared with the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra, in addition to showcasing solo & chamber recitals with repertoire spanning from early
music to 21st-century works.

In the classroom, JT is a dedicated instructor for Music 119: Elements of Music at Stony Brook University and has taught Music 308: History of Jazz. Beyond the university setting, they have extensive experience mentoring students from elementary through high school, fostering essential life skills like leadership and perseverance through musical excellence in K-12 and private lesson settings.

When not on stage or in the classroom, JT enjoys immersing themselves in nature, traveling, and spending quality time with their wife, Abbie, and their twin kittens, Huckleberry & Hemingway.