Not yet thirty years old, award-winning trombonist Kevin Hicks has established himself as one of the most important and creative voices on the jazz scene today, both as a performer and as an educator. 

 

Educated at Snow College, the University of North Texas and the University of Florida, Hicks’ work within these elite jazz programs attracted attention and respect from national jazz media and ensembles as well as from his teachers.  In addition to performing and recording as lead trombone with UNT’s esteemed One O’Clock Lab Band and teaching for the university’s national jazz camps, he was a two-time Downbeat award-winner while a student there.  Prior to Kevin’s arrival to UNT, he was selected to perform at Universal Studios Japan for several years in which his shows were rated #1.   Following his graduation from UNT Kevin auditioned for and won the coveted lead trombone position with the Air Force’s top jazz ensemble, “The Airmen of Note”.  He declined that opportunity opting to continue his studies at the University of Florida where he could pursue his higher education credentials as well as top-level performance and teaching opportunities. 

 

As a graduate instructor at the University of Florida (where he graduated with his Master’s degree in May 2014), Mr. Hicks ran several robust online jazz courses that served thousands of students a year and in addition taught Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Combo.  His work with renowned jazz educator Scott Wilson has placed him at the forefront of jazz education in the US, particularly in the development of the field of online jazz education.  Mr. Hicks has been selected as an instructor for the nationally available Ultimate Online Jazz Workshops through Kendall Hunt Publishing. These courses deliver online Jazz Fundamentals, Jazz Aural Skills and Skype lessons from Hicks alongside several Grammy Award-winning jazz artists including Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Jeff Coffin & the Mu’tet).  Hicks was involved in the creation of the Florida Department of Education’s K-12 Arts Training platform for which he recorded more than 30 jazz tracks for the program’s online jazz audio samples. Kevin is known for his uplifting lectures and the large variety of assessment tools and resources that accompany them, resulting in his students’ ability to quickly develop current industry skill sets and performance skills.

 

With performing experience from around the world, and ranging in context from clubs and performing arts centers to cruise ships and theme parks, Kevin Hicks is seasoned beyond his years.  In addition to the performing and recording credits he has amassed to date, Kevin Hicks is featured on the 2014 “Kackle Jackle” release from Stark Raving, and is the author of the “Kackle Jackle” transcription book which accompanies the CD.  A solo CD release showcasing his many and varied influences will follow later in the year.  Kevin is proud to have shared the stage with many of today’s most notable artists, including Conrad Herwig, Brian Bromberg, Ron Blake, Terreon Gully, Ravi Coltrane, Wayne Bergeron, Dennis DiBlasio, “Blue Lou” Marini, Jeff Coffin, Geoffrey Keezer, Corey Christiansen, Scott Wilson, Brad Leali, Dave Richards, Tony Baker,  Lyle Mayes, John Mosca, Tim Ries, Bernard Fowler, Darcy James Argue, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bob Curnow, and The Houston Symphony.

 

 

Selected Testimonies

“In the years since my appointment at UNT I’ve been fortunate enough to teach some of the most talented trombonists in the country, both classical and jazz. So it is with this experience that I can state that Kevin is among the top five best trombonists I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. This list includes individuals who’ve won jobs in the Vienna Philharmonic and the United States Army Blues Jazz Band. He never ceased to impress me with his technical facility, creative improvisation and sterling work ethic.”
Tony Baker (Professor of Trombone, University of North Texas)

 

"Kevin Hicks is a quadruple threat in the music industry and his accomplishments have established him as one the finest trombone players in the world today.  His melodic trombone solos and EWI solos speak to every generation, his high energy bebop playing is blazing, his reading skills landed him the lead trombone spot in the UNT One O'clock Lab Band for multiple years, and Kevin Hicks is on the forefront of 21st century jazz education and online course offerings.  Having already earned two collegiate Downbeats at a very young age, Mr. Hicks is here to stay and he will be a musical force in the jazz idiom for a long time to come.  Kevin is my first call trombonist for everything because his beautiful personality and superior music skills matches his gorgeous tone and rich musical vibe. "
Scott Wilson (Former Musical Director for Universal Studios Japan and author of Ultimate Jazz Tool Kit and materials).

 

 

BOOKING: 801-400-4190  
 Kevin Hicks: kevinrhicks@gmail.com