Judah Guerra is an active music educator, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who brings a deep, performance-tested knowledge of jazz tradition and pedagogy to his students.

• Master of Music in Jazz Performance | The University of Texas at Austin (In Progress, Expected 2027)

• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies | Michigan State University (2025)

Judah’s journey with the trombone began exceptionally early when he was gifted his first instrument by his uncle, Richard Guiterrez, at age six. His early development was entirely ear-led, building an intuitive sonic foundation before he began formal school instruction at age 12. Driven by a passion for the jazz tradition, he dedicated himself to rigorous research and technical mastery.

Now an educator with fresh perspectives and with over a decade of performance experience, Judah’s teaching is informed by extensive study with some of the finest trombonists in the jazz world. He has studied under and witnessed masterclasses under: 

• Primary Mentors: Michael Dease (4 years), Paul Deemer (2 years)

• Featured Pedagogues: Vincent Gardner, Ido Meshulam, Dr. Paul Brewer, Paul Keen, Robert Edwards, Ryan Keberle, Marte Kennedy, Dr. Dunwoody Mirvil, Nick Mesler, Bill Reichenbach, Roland Barber, Vincent Chandler, Ron Wilkins, Andre Hayward, Chris Glassman, Altin Sencalar

• Masterclasses: Joe Alessi, Christian Lindberg, Marquis Hil, Chris Crenshaw, Wynton Marsalis

In addition to his brass expertise, Judah is a skilled double bassist and electric bassist. Encouraged by his father to explore the instrument's versatility, he began studying electric bass at age 14 with West Michigan master Troy Stansberry.

He later expanded his artistry to the upright bass, performing throughout the Grand Rapids area before attending Michigan State University. There, he had the distinct privilege of studying under the legendary jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker. With seven years of deep engagement on the instrument, Judah integrates a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation into his teaching, offering students a holistic perspective on rhythm section dynamics and jazz language.