Josh Aguiar is one of Southern California’s best improvising trumpeters. He holds a Bachelor’s in music and a prestigious Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University, an MFA from California Institute of the Arts, and a DMA from the University of Southern California. As a professional, Josh has been active in the Southern California music scene for nearly 20 years. He has recorded on numerous albums, notably Clare Fischer’s latin jazz album, “Ritmo!”, which garnered a Grammy in 2013, and more recently was a featured jazz soloist on legendary Los Angeles big band arranger Mike Barone’s album “Brazil,” and on jazz bassist Igor Kogan’s superlative small group album “In a Big City.” Josh is also a member of Dr. Scott Jeppesen’s (Montana State University) Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective, an outstanding repertory ensemble comprising some of the best musical talent in and out of the mountain states.
He has taught extensively at all levels. Most recently, he was hired to teach applied jazz trumpet students at one of the most prestigious music departments in California, CalState Northridge. Additionally, he has been a long-time instructor at Santa Monica College, one of the best community college music programs in the Los Angeles area. He also teaches at the Los Angeles College of Music, a conservatory for jazz, pop, and contemporary music production. From 2000-2003, he lived in Taipei, Taiwan where he studied Chinese, worked as a translator, and was in demand as both a jazz soloist and as a sideman in the Taiwanese pop scene, playing on various recordings and touring with the great Sticky Rice Band. To this day, he frequently returns to Taiwan as a performer, instructor, and occasional master class clinician. His playing is noted for a balance of traditional and modern elements and a lyrical combination of freedom and structure. In addition to the trumpet, Josh is a highly competent pianist and composer. Also evident in his music is the assimilation of classical music influences, reflecting his years of conservatory study. A consummate professional and dedicated artist, he is comfortable in a variety of genres and settings.
