Soundhouse Alumnus Dr. Brian Woodbury Named Director of Jazz Studies at BYU

We’re proud to share that Dr. Brian Woodbury, a graduate of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse, has been appointed as the new Director of Jazz Studies at Brigham Young University—a prestigious role that marks a major milestone in an already distinguished career.

A Salt Lake City native, Brian is a highly respected trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator whose resume includes performances with iconic acts such as Johnny Mathis, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Neon Trees. His work has been featured on soundtracks for major titles including Honor of Kings, LEGO® Fortnite® Star Wars, and The Paradise Planets: The Fallen from Paradise. His 2021 debut album, Dream Feeder, showcases his original compositions and is available on all major streaming platforms.

Brian’s academic credentials are just as impressive. After earning his Bachelor of Music in Brass Performance from BYU, he went on to complete a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas—where he played lead trombone in the world-renowned One O’Clock Lab Band. He later earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he taught jazz history and directed big bands and combos.


Before his new role at BYU, Dr. Woodbury served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah and taught commercial music at Utah Valley University, continuing to shape the next generation of jazz musicians.

In his new position, Dr. Woodbury joins fellow Soundhouse alumnus Dr. Ben Nichols on the BYU Jazz Studies faculty—bringing together two leaders in jazz education who both trace their roots back to the Soundhouse stage. Their combined experience and passion will no doubt continue to elevate BYU’s jazz program and inspire countless students.

Brian’s journey from Soundhouse to leading one of the country’s premier jazz programs is a testament to his dedication, artistry, and love of music education. We couldn’t be more thrilled to see one of our own making such a profound impact in the jazz world.

Congratulations, Dr. Woodbury—your Soundhouse family is cheering you on!