Jam Session Class

About

Professional Summary
Kevin Fitzpatrick is a lifelong musician, educator, and community arts advocate whose career spans performance, education, military bands, arts leadership, and community outreach. With decades of experience in instrumental performance, music education, and program development, he has remained dedicated to enriching communities through live music, arts initiatives, mentorship, and collaborative performance opportunities.

Career Highlights
Early Career and Musical Training
Kevin began his musical journey on trumpet in the third grade and continued as a multi-instrumentalist throughout his school years. At age 17, he hosted the live television music-awareness program Town Talk, featuring interviews and music-related programming from around the region.
He attended Murray State University on a music scholarship before transferring to the University of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance.

Performance Experience
After performing professionally in a brass quintet, Kevin auditioned for the U.S. Air Force Band, where he was selected as one of only three musicians chosen from 375 applicants. During his service, he performed with several Air Force Band breakout groups, including the Jazz Band (trombone), Brass Quintet (tuba), and Rock Band (harmonica).

Kevin toured extensively throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States, often performing multiple shows daily. He later served for ten years with the 234th Army National Guard Band, touring throughout the Pacific Region, including Wake Island, Guam, Hawaii, American Samoa, Australia, and Panama. As NCO Educational Liaison, he helped foster community and school connections through music outreach programs.

Educational Achievements
In addition to performance studies, Kevin trained in instrument repair, specializing in saxophone, clarinet, and flute maintenance. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Music Teaching from Lewis & Clark College and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Washington State University. He also completed a Performance Certificate in Bass from Berklee College of Music.

Music Education and Community Impact
Kevin taught music and visual arts at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels in the Portland area, organizing hundreds of community music and arts events throughout his teaching career.

He later co-founded Jam Session™, a collaborative adult music workshop program originally offered through Clark College and Mt. Hood Community College. The program has since evolved into a community-based nonprofit-style initiative welcoming musicians of all skill levels and providing opportunities for live performance, education, and networking.
Kevin has also worked closely with the Clark County Arts Commission as a commissioner, Magenta Theater, and the Vancouver Downtown Association to support arts advocacy and community engagement throughout Southwest Washington.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Through Jam Session™, Kevin continues to lead efforts connecting musicians, local businesses, theaters, and community organizations through the arts. His work has included organizing free “Music in the Park” events, neighborhood fundraisers, music showcases at Magenta Theater, and outreach initiatives designed to strengthen community connections through live performance and arts education.
Skills and Expertise
• Instrumental Performance: Trumpet, Piano, Trombone, Tuba, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute
• Music Theory, Composition, and Performance
• Community Arts Advocacy and Program Development
• Music Education and Curriculum Design
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Leadership and Arts/Education Liaison Experience

Genres & Styles

Lesson Details

Lesson Type

in-person

Format

private, group

Ages

Adults

Free Trial

Yes — free trial lesson available

Credentials & Experience

20+ years teaching experience