Jazz Trumpeter

Physical therapy to improve one finger’s function led to a musician’s career

FAMILY BACKGROUND

JM was born in Bangor, PA.  His parents owned and operated a funeral home. He grew up playing in the funeral home and swimming in the area’s slate quarries. 

MUSIC PLAYING ASSIGNED AS PART OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

At age 5, JM was severely injured while trying to ride an exercise bike, which toppled over, upon him. His mother arranged physical therapy to help his right hand recover from the accident. The therapist recommended using a trumpet’s keys as part of the therapy regimen. JM learned to enjoy playing the trumpet while his finger recovered. He continued playing the trumpet in his high school concert band and area marching bands. As a result of his proficiency, he was selected to the All-State Lions Club Band, with which he traveled to play in Nashville and later to Hawaii to play his trumpet with the Governor’s School of the Arts. 

MUSIC EDUCATION

Following high school graduation, JM studied trumpet at the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now the University of the Arts), later transferring to Temple University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Music Education. 

MUSIC CAREER SATISFACTION

JM played in many Mummers parades and in numerous Philadelphia area, jazz band gigs. He became a music teacher within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as well as a music composition software consultant for Encore Music Notation Software. He also spent a few years as the manager of the Philadelphia and Chicago offices of the Interactive Media Corporation.