Jim Pugh

University of Illinois

Jazz Trombone Studio

Located in the basement of Smith Hall at the University of Illinois, Jim Pugh has established one of the strongest jazz trombone programs in the country.  

As a studio, his trombone ensembles have won many awards including the ITA Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition, Monterey Jazz Competition and the ETW Jazz Trombone Competition.  They've travelled to Paris, Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC for several high profile performances.

His students have won many prestigous awards such as the Downbeat's Best Composer, ITA Jazz Trombone (in both under and over 25yr old divisions) and the Eastern Trombone Workshop (now American Trombone Workshop) Jazz Trombone Competitions.   His students have also secured positions in military (Navy Commodores and US Marine) bands, university faculty (University of New Orleans, Bradley University), and countless cruise ships and pit orchestras.  

If you are interested in auditioning at the University of Illinois, please use the contact page to request information about auditions.