Rate My Professor Kevin Kjos

Dr. Kevin Kjos is the Co-Director of Commercial Music Studies and Professor of Trumpet at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he plays a key role in the Arts and Culture faculty through the Department of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance, both from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, under the tutelage of Robert Baca on trumpet. He further advanced his expertise with a Doctor of Music from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Bloomington, studying with renowned faculty members David Baker, Dominic Spera, John Rommel, and William Adam.

Since 1998, Dr. Kjos has demonstrated exceptional leadership in music education and performance at Kutztown University as Professor of Trumpet, Director of Jazz Studies, and director of the Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Latin Ensemble, jazz combos, and applied trumpet instruction. Under his direction, these ensembles have earned 10 Student Music Awards from DownBeat Magazine, including multiple consecutive wins for the Blues and Rock Ensemble, establishing Kutztown as a leader in student commercial music. Prior to Kutztown, he founded and directed the Cedar Avenue Big Band in Minneapolis, performing weekly at the Dakota Bar and Grill, and the Sound Exploration Ensemble dedicated to new music exploration. As a professional trumpet player, band leader, and composer spanning genres from R&B to classical, Dr. Kjos has secured grants for performances and recordings. He authored the instructional book Teaching Imagination, a Guide to Jazz and Rock Instruction. In 2015, he received the President's Award from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for outstanding professional and personal achievements and service to the university. Dr. Kjos also serves on Kutztown University's President's Faculty Advisory Committee.