About
Emily Mikesell began studying trumpet at the age of 11 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University, where she also studied classical trumpet and a masters degree in jazz studies from the University of New Orleans. She has studied with Scotty Barnhart, the director of the Count Basie Orchestra, Christopher Moore, and John Almeida. She has performed with artists ranging from the Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band to Lonnie Holley. During her time at FSU, she performed at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York City and participated in Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead, in which she performed at The Kennedy Center and The Apollo Theater. She also performed as a member of the Disney All-American College Band at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Emily moved to New Orleans in 2016 and has since performed with such groups as Trumpet Mafia and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra as well as playing at many different clubs and festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival and Satchmofest.
Emily has taught private lessons for 8 years to students of all levels from beginners to adults. She taught jazz at J.K. Haynes Elementary School with legendary saxophonist Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson in 2016 and taught middle and high school trumpet and jazz combo at the Florida State University Summer Music Camps during the summers of 2014 and 2015.
Emily believes in building strong fundamentals so the student has the tools to play anything they want. She believes that the student should hear what they want to play before they hear it and to imagine the sound they want to have. She believes in discipline but also creativity and expressiveness. She wanted to help equip each student so they can make the music that they imagine.
Bachelor's degree in Jazz from Florida State University (BA) 2016. Participant in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead 2016. Member of the Disney All-American College Band 2016