WEDNESDAYS, 6-8PM
IN-PERSON, 6 WEEKS
APRIL 15, 22, 29, MAY 6, 13, 20
$300
Unlock the fundamentals of jazz improvisation in this engaging beginner-friendly class. You’ll explore the building blocks of jazz harmony, study classic solos to understand the language of jazz, and learn standard repertoire essential for any aspiring jazz musician. We’ll also cover common jam session procedures so you can feel confident and prepared to join in and play with others. Perfect for instrumentalists or vocalists ready to take their first steps into improvisation.
About the Instructor:
Desmond Ng is a versatile trombonist, low brass specialist, composer, and educator whose work spans performance, composition, and instruction across Nashville, Los Angeles, and beyond. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he has built a career defined by expressive musicianship, thoughtful arrangements, and a deep commitment to music education. His performance credits include collaborations with artists such as Frankie Valli, Maren Morris, CeCe Winans, Lauren Daigle, Greta Van Fleet, Dan and Shay, Carly Pearce, the War and Treaty, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, and Joss Stone, along with appearances at major cultural institutions including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Massey Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Newport Jazz Festival. He has also recorded for prominent entertainment companies, contributing to projects for DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Hulu, and EA Sports.
Ng earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Northridge in 2015, where he studied closely with trombonist Bob McChesney. After completing his degree, he relocated to Tennessee and began his professional career as a freelance performer and educator, becoming an active presence in the region’s music community. During this period, he expanded his teaching studio, deepened his work as a low brass specialist, and performed widely throughout the Southeast. He later completed a Master’s in Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, further developing his work as a performer, composer, and teacher. In 2024, he joined the MTSU faculty as an Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trombone, teaching lessons, jazz combos, brass methods, and technology in music. He also serves as an instructor at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, where he leads ensembles and teaches improvisation, theory, and small group performance.
As a performer, Ng’s work extends to collaborations with additional touring acts, including The War and Treaty, and to performances at major venues such as Ascend Amphitheater. His recording credits include contributions to the short film Wednesdays with Gramps, Nickelodeon’s Rock Paper Scissors, the streaming series Pam & Tommy, and the video game releases College Football ’25 and ’26, reflecting his versatility across commercial, studio, and artistic projects.
Ng is also an accomplished composer and arranger. His works for small groups, chamber ensembles, and large jazz ensembles have received international recognition, including selection for the 2024 International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC) New Music Workshop Series, where his big band piece We’re Almost There was workshopped by John Clayton and Mike Holober.
He is driven by a commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and the belief that music has the power to inspire, connect, and transform communities.