Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Dr. Adam Johnson began playing the trombone
at the age of 12. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana
at Monroe followed by a Masters of Music degree from Yale University where he studied
with Scott Hartman. As a student at Yale, Adam performed with the Yale Symphony Orchestra
on tour throughout Eastern Europe, giving concerts in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
Upon completion of the M.M. he began doctoral studies at Indiana University where
his primary teacher was Peter Ellefson. His studies at IU were cut short when he was
appointed second trombonist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004. Adam
chose to continue work toward his doctorate at Ball State University and in the fall
of 2010 he successfully defended his dissertation and was awarded the Doctor of Arts
degree. In addition to 12 years of orchestral work in Fort Wayne, he has also performed
with many other orchestras including substitute work in the Indianapolis Symphony
Orchestra and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops. Adam has also done considerable
work as a jazz and studio musician. As a soloist, he has performed concertos on two
occasions with the IPFW University/Community Orchestra and tour performances with
the University of Louisiana at Monroe Wind Ensemble. Additionally, Adam has been selected
twice to participate in the Alessi Seminar, an intense ten day seminar led by Joseph
Alessi, the principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and professor of trombone
at the Juilliard School. Adam has previously held teaching positions at Taylor University,
Ball State University, and Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne.