Jess Julian (b. 1994) is a guitarist, published composer, educator, and researcher currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance with a cognate in Music Education at the University of Memphis, where they study with Dr. Patrick Sutton. They hold a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Memphis and Bachelor of Music degrees in Guitar Performance and Music Education from Oakland University. Throughout their academic and professional career, they have studied with distinguished guitarists and musicians.
As an award-winning performer, Jess is active in a variety of musical settings, including solo, chamber, orchestral, popular, and jazz music. They continue to be an in demand performer throughout the United States. As a composer, Jess has written works for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and vocal ensembles, including the commissioned work Life as a Lily for Modern Violin Ensemble. Their scholarly research on the guitar music of composer Libby Larsen has been published in Soundboard.
Jess has diverse teaching experience in higher education, K–12, community music programs, and private instruction. They have taught students of all ages and experience levels through university programs, public schools, private studios, and community organizations. Passionate about helping students achieve their musical goals, Jess emphasizes creativity, technical development, musicianship, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
In addition to their work as a performer and educator, Jess is committed to community engagement and advocacy through the arts. They have presented scholarly lectures, participated in community-based performances, and created projects that highlight diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of music.