Dr. Micah Killion named Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Brass Coordinator

The John J. Cali School of Music is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Micah Killion as Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Brass Coordinator.

A dynamic artist and educator, Dr. Killion brings to Montclair State University a wealth of experience as a performer, scholar, and leader in music education. In his new role, he will oversee the brass area at the Cali School, guiding its artistic vision, coordinating faculty and student initiatives, and shaping the next generation of brass musicians.

Dr. Killion served as Principal Trumpet of the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. from 2013 to 2018, where he recorded seven albums and performed as a soloist on John Mackey’s Antique Violences featured on the 2018 release Illuminations. His extensive recording credits include Du Yun’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone and the Grammy-nominated trumpet ensemble piece Air Glow.

He has performed and recorded with a broad range of ensembles and artists, including The Knights Orchestra, Sigur Rós, Diana Ross, Shakira, The American Brass Quintet, NOVUS NY, the Colorado Symphony, and numerous Broadway productions. His versatility across genres and formats positions him as an exceptional leader for the brass area.

Dr. Killion has given workshops and master classes at premier institutions around the world, including The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, The Colburn School, Royal Academy of Music, and University of Oregon. His global impact includes educational collaborations with the Ramallah Orchestra in the West Bank and a brass instruction project in Kathmandu, Nepal, supported by a Rainwater Grant for American Music.

Most recently, Dr. Killion served as coordinator of the Musical Lives Initiative at the Center for Music Learning at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on cognitive and perceptual-motor processes in music learning, including eye-tracking studies and expert practice analysis. He holds a PhD in Music and Human Learning from UT Austin, an MA in Music Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a BM in Trumpet Performance from The Juilliard School, where he studied under Philip Smith.

A Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician, Dr. Killion brings a unique blend of performance excellence, scholarly insight, and leadership to his new role.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Micah Killion to the John J. Cali School of Music. We are thrilled to have him lead our brass area and contribute his vision, artistry, and mentorship to our community.