Jennifer Zapotocky is an accomplished tenor trombonist, educator, and recording artist whose artistry and dedication to music have established her as a rising voice in the contemporary brass community. Currently pursuing her Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance at Ball State University under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Van Hof, Jennifer brings a wealth of performance experience and a passion for music education to every aspect of her career.

Educational Foundation

Jennifer's musical journey began with her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance in May 2024. During her four years at ASU, she had the privilege of studying under the renowned Dr. Brad Edwards, whose guidance helped shape her technical precision and musical artistry. Her academic excellence was recognized with a Magna Cum Laude distinction, and she further distinguished herself by earning a Certificate in Music Entrepreneurship, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the business aspects of a musical career.

Now serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Ball State University, Jennifer is deepening her expertise while contributing to the education of the next generation of musicians. Her expected graduation in May 2026 will mark another milestone in her continued growth as both a performer and educator.

Professional Performance Career

Jennifer's professional performance experience spans orchestral, theatrical, and chamber music settings, showcasing her versatility as a musician. She holds the position of Lead Trombone with the Muncie Civic Theater, where she brings Broadway productions to life with her expressive playing. Her orchestral work includes performances with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and other regional ensembles.

In the theatrical realm, Jennifer has demonstrated her ability to excel in the demanding environment of pit orchestra performance. She has performed with various musical theatre productions, including "Guys and Dolls" and "Kinky Boots," navigating complex and stylistically diverse scores.

A significant aspect of Jennifer's professional work is her ongoing collaboration with McGraw-Hill Publishing Company as a Recording Artist. She records professional tracks that serve as educational examples in various instructional materials, contributing to music education on a national scale. This work requires not only technical excellence but also the ability to serve as a model performer for students across the country.

Her performance experience also extends to collaborative projects with nationally recognized artists, including appearing in a music video with Simply Three String Trio, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to engage with music across genres and media.

Teaching and Mentorship

Education and mentorship form a cornerstone of Jennifer's musical mission. She is currently serving as a Trombone Area Graduate Assistant at Ball State University, where she works closely with undergraduate students to develop their technical skills and musical understanding. This position has allowed her to refine her teaching philosophy and methodology under the guidance of Dr. Van Hof while gaining invaluable experience in higher education.

Jennifer's commitment to education extends beyond the university setting. Since January 2025, she has served as a Masterclass Teacher and Professional Mentor at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she shares her expertise with advanced high school musicians and provides guidance on preparing for college auditions and professional careers. Her teaching experience also includes work with high school programs in Arizona. From August through December 2023, she served as Brass Technician at Dobson High School in Mesa.

Jennifer has maintained a private studio, working one-on-one with students of varying ages and ability levels. This individualized instruction allows her to tailor her teaching to each student's unique needs and goals, fostering both technical development and a lifelong love of music.

Artistic Vision and Future Directions

Jennifer Zapotocky represents a new generation of classical musicians who seamlessly blend technical excellence with entrepreneurial spirit and educational commitment. Her diverse experience across orchestral, theatrical, chamber, and recording contexts has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the professional music landscape. As she continues her graduate studies and expands her performing and teaching career, Jennifer remains dedicated to advancing the art of trombone performance, championing new music, and inspiring the next generation of brass musicians.

Whether performing as principal trombone in a major ensemble, recording educational materials that will reach thousands of students, or working one-on-one with a young musician discovering the joy of the trombone, Jennifer brings the same level of dedication, artistry, and passion to every musical endeavor. Her combination of performance excellence, pedagogical commitment, and entrepreneurial awareness positions her as an artist who will continue to make significant contributions to the musical community for years to come.