ACC Faculty Spotlight: Jason Klobnak

Jason Klobnak, ACC music and music audio technology faculty member

It's time for an ACC faculty spotlight. Let's get to know Jason Klobnak, ACC Music Program Chair and faculty member.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a versatile musician and trumpet player that has been performing as an active musician, author, clinician, composer and educator. My bands, J’s Ruckus and the Jason Klobnak Quintet/Quartet (JKQ) are made up of high-caliber musicians known for their professionalism and versatility. Both perform infectious originals with a B3 organ centered rhythm section; they blend hard bop, soul, gospel, and hip-hop to create a memorable live experience.

What do you teach?

Music Marketing Strategies, Music Business, Music Publishing, Trumpet and many more!

How long have you been at ACC?

11 years. 9 years as an adjunct instructor and 2 years as a full-time faculty

How long have you been teaching?

20 years

What is your favorite thing to teach? 

I love teaching anything in the area of music business, but I especially love teaching Music Marketing Strategies.

Why did you choose teaching?

I love to see the lightbulb go on in students when they realize what they're learning can be applied to their own passions.

Why did you choose ACC?

I chose to work at Arapahoe Community College because of its strong reputation in the music department and its unwavering commitment to student success.

What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?

At ACC I want to see the music department be the go-to higher ed institution of choice in the region. I would love to see our growth continue so much so that we are forced to find new space to accommodate.

What's your favorite ACC memory so far?

Being a part of live recording process that allowed students to get hands on experience from the planning stages, marketing, performance, live sound, editing, mixing, mastering, and release of a professional project.

Tell us a fun fact about you / Something about you that might surprise people.

Beyond touring Europe with a band; I have worked in the insurance industry for 7 years and have also coached competitive / travel girls fastpitch softball.

Top 5 Bands/Musicians

In no particular order:

  • Roy Hargrove

  • Cannonball Adderley

  • Miles Davis

  • Snarky Puppy

  • Jacob Collier

What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?

Perfection is impossible. Rather, try and make today suck less for both yourself and others. That, over time, compounds into something quite beautiful.

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