Since moving to Portland in 2007, trombonist and educator, John Moak has quickly become an integral part of the Northwest music scene. John has nearly three decades of professional experience performing with symphony orchestras, ballets, Broadway musicals, big bands, dixieland bands, various jazz groups and in recording studios.

John has performed with such notable jazz artists as Dave Brubeck, Pete Christlieb, Nat Adderly, Randy Brecker, Diane Schuur, Branford Marsalis, Slide Hampton, Doc Severinsen, Jack Sheldon, Herbie Mann, Rosemary Clooney, James Moody and Ken Peplowski. He has performed as a member of the Louie Bellson Orchestra and Octet, the Clark Terry Quintet, and has performed with such popular acts as Aretha Franklin ,The Four Tops, The Temptations and Johnny Mathis. John is a winner of the International Trombone Association's Frank Rosolino and Kai Winding Jazz Competitions, the Southern Comfort National Dixieland Championship and has performed at many festivals across the U.S. as well as the Montreaux and North Seas Jazz Festivals.

John has over 25 years experience teaching music to all ages and levels from beginners to professionals. He has taught trombone, trumpet, jazz improvisation and jazz ensembles at the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University and the University of North Florida where he instructed trumpeter Marcus Printup now a Blue Note recording artist and member of the prestigious Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Students of John's learn not only tone production, technique, intonation, music theory, orchestral and solo literature and jazz improvisation, but also the correct stylistic approach for any musical setting.