Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzi Guzman
Hi Izzi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was in elementary school, I quickly found a passion for art. I used to draw in my sketchbook all of the time and was eager to grow my talents. When I started middle school, I started playing euphonium in band class, and never looked back since!
Music, just like art, quickly became my passion. I loved learning all about it, especially music of the jazz tradition. I taught myself how to play trombone in eighth grade so I could join the jazz band of the performing arts school I had just been accepted to. When I started high school, I began arranging and teaching music. It was through all of these experiences, as well as learning new instruments and musical styles, that inspired me to keep studying music and consider it as a career. I had always wanted to be a teacher, so when it came time to choose my major for college, music education became the perfect option.
I was admitted to the University of Miami and Berklee College of Music on a full-tuition scholarship, which I am eternally grateful for. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was able to take coursework at both institutions and graduated from them 2022 and 2024 respectfully. I played more and more jazz trombone, performed in several big bands at the Frost School of Music, and even picked up skills in photography and graphic design during my time as a college student. I was able to premiere several of my compositions with the big bands at Frost, which have been incredible stepping stones for me. I am now a graduate student at the University of Miami studying jazz pedagogy, and I’m involved in a lot of things that all bring me so much joy. I perform with the Frost Jazz Orchestra and Frost Funk/Fusion Ensemble, teach through the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Foundation, and manage the social media accounts for the Frost Studio Music & Jazz (Frost MSJ) Department. It’s a dream come true being able to serve my Frost community while doing what I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have certainly been obstacles, both physically and mentally. I’m a perfectionist and want to do everything the best I can, which leads me to doubt my abilities sometimes. On the other end of the spectrum, I have a visual disability that makes reading sheet music slightly challenging. I was doubted by a lot of my peers in high school, and even though I had a lot of friends, I was excluded sometimes because of my disability. Over the years, I have learned to accept myself for who I am, both the gifts and the challenges. I learned how to advocate for myself and what I need and continually strive to show the world that anyone can accomplish amazing things, regardless of disability.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a jazz trombonist, music educator, composer/arranger, photographer, graphic designer, and social media manager.
I do a lot of creative work, and it all fulfills me equally. Being able to express myself through music and creative media gives me joy and drive.
I play trombone in a variety of musical settings, such as jazz big bands, jazz combos, corporate bands, classical ensembles, and more. I also play some trumpet from time to time and have experience on other brass instruments as well. I have performed with the Frost Jazz Orchestra, John Daversa Big Band, Florida Wind Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and several other groups across the United States. I started teaching brass instruments when I was in high school and have loved it since. As a music education student, I completed my student teaching internship at elementary, middle school, and high school level music programs across Miami-Dade County. I especially love teaching students jazz styles, how to improvise, and how to compose their own music. I now teach middle and high school students in Miami through the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program, an organization within the Frost School of Music that provides free music education to students across Miami-Dade County.
As a composer, I primarily write for jazz big bands and small jazz ensembles. I blend multiple styles into my compositions to create my own compositional voice. I especially love writing with modern techniques and creating a hopeful, joyful sound. My compositions are all based on my own real-life experiences, stories, or feelings. I’m also a very spontaneous writer; most of my ideas come to my head “out of nowhere” as a way for me to process heavy emotions. I released an album in 2023 titled “Interdimensional” which includes several of my compositions along with a few arrangements of video game music. I recorded the album at the Weeks Recording Studio at Frost with several of my peers, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
Outside of music, I work for the Frost School of Music as a photographer and social media manager for the Frost Studio Music & Jazz Department. I also taught high school students at the inaugural Frost Summer Jazz Intensive this year and got to conduct one of my compositions with the big band for their final concert!
Last Spring, I was honored with the Frost School of Music’s Overall Outstanding Senior Award, which was a very big moment in my life. One of my newest compositions, titled “A Warm Welcome,” was recorded by the Frost Jazz Orchestra, directed by John Daversa, last Spring. I’m so excited to share it with the world on the Frost Jazz Orchestra’s next live album, coming out later this year!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 pandemic was extremely difficult for a lot of people, and I am no exception. However, I learned a lot from the several months I spent cooped up at home. During the beginning of the pandemic, I spent nearly all of my time watching live masterclasses, taking lessons, and learning how to record myself playing my instruments. I absorbed so much information during those few months and quickly became more motivated than ever. Having endless free time to learn and practice taught me how to best make the use out of my time, especially when I got busier during the summer and while in college. I was able to take advantage of all the learning opportunities around me, even those that were not necessarily tied to my instrument or major. I learned so much from every masterclass and Q&A I watched and use this time as a reminder to continue making the best out of each opportunity I am given.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.izziguzman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzimakesmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzimakesmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@izziguzman
Image Credits
Savannah Methner
Muskuy Photography
