Jack Irby

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Jack picked up the saxophone at age 11 and has not put it down since. Now based out of Washington, DC, he has established himself as an in-demand section player–lending the support of his baritone saxophone to such ensembles as Jazzmeia Horn and her Noble Force, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Orchestra, the Capitol Hill Jazz Orchestra, the Don Braden Big Band, the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, the Herm Hopkins Soul Big Band, and the Fran Vielma Jazz Orchestra. Jack’s performances have led him to share the bandstand with great artists like Kurt Elling, Jazzmeia Horn, Bobby Watson, Vanessa Rubin, Don Braden, Sean Jones, Herb Scott, and Paul Carr; and he has been fortunate to play the stages of the Kennedy Center, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, Mr. Henry's, HillFest, the Rosslyn Jazz Festival, Caton Castle, and many other venues across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He can be heard on Grammy-nominated bluegrass and country group Dailey & Vincent’s 2015 album Alive! in Concert and as a featured soloist on the 2016 Mason Jazz album Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Swing. Additionally, Jack takes an active role as the leader of his own groups (including the Jack Irby Quartet), which perform regularly in the area.

Jack’s musical journey began on the piano and alto saxophone; but, as he progressed as a musician, he quickly fell in love with the baritone saxophone's deep, rich tone and dedicated his practice to it. Jack earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both music and mathematics from the University of Virginia, where he cultivated his passion for jazz music and improvisation under the artistic mentorship of saxophonist Jeff Decker, trumpeter John D'earth, and guitarist Mike Rosensky. In 2016, Jack earned a Master of Music degree, with a jazz studies concentration, from George Mason University studying with saxophonists Dr. Tyler Kuebler and Jim Carroll and guitarist Dr. Shawn Purcell.

When he’s not performing, Jack maintains an active career as an educator. He is currently a woodwind instructor at Middle C Music in Washington, DC and maintains his own studio of private saxophone students. Jack offers private saxophone lessons for students of all ages and abilities, and he is delighted to share his love of music with his pupils.

"[Jack] works unrelentingly on his technique and on the jazz language; he's always in the practice room." - John D'earth

lessons

My goal is to share my passion for music and dedication to practicing with my students so they can become their own best guides on their musical journey. I believe that practice is a fun and creative activity and I encourage my students to discover this by helping them internalize and create their own practice habits while finding the music hidden underneath the exercises. I teach students on all saxophones of all skill levels as well as beginning to intermediate flute and clarinet. When teaching a lesson, I focus on developing a strong techinal foundation on the instrument complemented by an emphasis on skills necessary for all musicians.

• Music theory
• Developing a practice routine
• Improvisation
• Ear training
• Composition
• Sight reading

I am excited to say that I am returning to offering in person lessons! Safety is still a top priority for me, and I am happy to discuss and adhere to all necessary precautions so that we can create a COVID-safe learning environment for both of us. I am fully vaccinated (and willing to show proof of vaccination) and ask that my students, if old enough, are fully vaccinated as well. At this time I am offering at-home lessons only within Washington, DC.

And, I am still offering online lessons! This is a great option for those not in the District. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss at-home or virtual lessons, rates, and safety precautions in the contact section below.

media

Check out my Instagram and YouTube pages for more updates.

contact

If you want to contact me regarding booking, upcoming performances, or scheduling a lesson please fill out the form below and I will be in touch!

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