Justin Rogers is a graduate from the University of Denver where he pursued a Master of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging while studying with Dave Hanson. He graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Spring of 2019 with Bachelor of Music Degrees in both Composition and Saxophone Performance, as well as a minor in Criminal Justice where he studied with Mark Harris, Dr. Fred Hess, Dr. David Farrell, and Cherise Leiter. Justin began his musical journey at a young age, beginning with piano and saxophone in elementary school. Before his time at the elementary level had concluded, he had composed his first pieces. Through middle school, and into high school, he continued to study piano but also began to play saxophone in ensemble settings. In his high school setting, Justin found encouragement in his composition and playing through the instruction of Mr. John Hermanson and Mr. Douglas Sandusky. The encouragement and instruction in this setting was critical in guiding Justin towards his final career path in the Composition and Performance areas. Before his time at MSU Denver, Justin led a jazz combo which stands to this day (The Prisoners of Jazz), and actively sought out opportunities to better his musical vocabulary and comprehension. Justin’s past private and classroom instructors include Mr. Chuck Schneider, Mr. John Hermanson, Mr. Douglas Sandusky, and Mrs. Joyce Scheel. Beyond private instruction, Justin has participated in Master classes and lessons with Jeffrey Kyle Hutchins, Dan Goble, Anna Marie Wytko, The Imani Winds, Ravi Coltrane, Adam Gorb, Chris Malloy, Anita Thomas, Clint Baker, Bob Schulz, Jason Jurzak, and The Queen City Jazz Band. Solo performances include piano for open houses, performance at local music festivals, a junior recital in the Spring of 2018, multiple performances at the Evergreen Jazz Festival through the student clinic and with the UCD Claim Jumpers, and countless jazz gigs. Due to his career path as a composer, Justin has both performed many of his own works and had the good fortune to have colleagues perform his works. Some of these performances include personal performance of his own jazz works, a performance of his solo trumpet work Quadrilateral by Dr. Michael Hengst in the fall of 2018, a performance of his solo marimba work Alternate Realities by Maxwell Henson in the Spring of 2018, a performance of his Horn trio Mountain Pastorale by MSU Denver’s horn trio in the spring of 2018, and a house concert of original music with his colleague Will Heinz in August of 2018. Justin actively participates in solo and chamber settings as called upon and including Saxophone Quartets, Symphonic Band, Jazz Combos, Big Band, and as a Piano accompanist. Justin won MSU Denver’s Concerto Competition in the fall of 2018, and was presented with the opportunity to perform Alexander Glazunov’s Concerto for Eb Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra with MSU Denver’s symphony orchestra. Justin has also received several awards for his musical accolades including the Ron Cope Scholarship, the President’s Academic Achievement Award (MSU Denver), the Max DiJulio Prize for Composition, the 3’71” Composition Prize, the MSU Denver Faculty Composition Prize, and the MSU Denver Music Department Talent Scholarship. In addition to these accolades, is also a proud member of the Evergreen Jazz Festival’s Education Committee, where he helps to organize the student clinic that kicks of the festival. Ultimately, he would like to achieve a doctoral degree in his area of study.