Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzi Guzman.
Hi Izzi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I loved doing anything creative. Before learning an instrument in middle school band, I was always carrying a sketchbook and drawing anything and anyone. I even did theater and dance for a few years before finding my favorite creative activity in middle school, which was music. Once I chose the euphonium as my instrument in middle school band, I quickly became obsessed and never looked back.
I was born in New Rochelle, New York and moved to Celebration, Florida when I was 6 years old, so I am very accustomed to the warm weather down here. I have quite a big extended family, but grew up with my mom, dad, and sister, all of whom are not musicians. Even though I never studied music formally until middle school, music was always a part of my life. I was surrounded by music everywhere, especially at a big family dinner with my large Puerto Rican family. Looking back, the music I listened to as a kid—salsa, freestyle, disco, and so much more—influenced who I am as a musician today.
Once I started playing the euphonium in middle school band, I became very eager to learn the ins and outs of the instrument. I would take my instrument home every night and learn new notes and scales entirely by ear, later learning I have perfect pitch. I am legally blind and have trouble seeing sheet music on occasion, but learning a song just by hearing it opened many possibilities for me. I decided to enroll in my school’s jazz band in 7th grade, learn trombone in 8th grade, and continue playing in band throughout middle and high school at the Osceola County School for the Arts. I learned a few more instruments here and there, such as trumpet and french horn, and even played 2nd trumpet in one of my school’s jazz bands. When it came time to decide what I wanted to do in college, music sounded like the perfect option. I always wanted to be a teacher, so music education was a perfect fit and I didn’t think much of it.
Little did I know, I would be blessed with many opportunities in my senior year of high school and throughout college. I wrote my first big band arrangement in my senior year of high school, which got me interested in being a composer and arranger. When I applied to college, I had a choice between studying euphonium or jazz trombone, and I decided to stick with jazz trombone. I attended the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami from 2020-2024 and Berklee College of Music from 2020-2022 for my Bachelor’s degree, studying music education at the Frost School and teaching music to hundreds of wonderful students. I stayed at the Frost School of Music for my master’s degree in jazz pedagogy, graduating in 2025, and am now entering a doctoral program in jazz composition under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Guerra. During my 5 years at the Frost School so far, I have performed as a jazz trombonist in many ensembles at school and nationally, including the Frost Jazz Orchestra, John Daversa Big Band, Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy Big Band, and the Frost Funk/Fusion Ensemble, which won a Downbeat award in 2025. I’ve become more than a trombonist however—I’ve grown as a composer, arranger, educator, and even social media manager and graphic designer, which have all interwoven into my purpose as a creative: sharing joy with others. Now, I have the wonderful opportunity of working with some amazing, talented, and kind people doing what I love!
Throughout my musical upbringing and all of the adventures I’ve had along the way, I’ve learned that the best things in life are often unexpected. Being able to pursue my bachelor’s, master’s, and now doctoral degrees at the Frost School of Music was something I never envisioned as a high school student; but it has been a beautiful, transformative journey, one that takes up more than just a few paragraphs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a professional musician is very fulfilling for me, but there are obstacles that keep me and others from being fully seen. For one, I have multiple disabilities, which lead to some people thinking I’m not as capable as a musician. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m legally blind, which presents its own set of challenges that I’ve had to find accommodations for along the way. I also have ADHD, which presents its own gifts and challenges, especially as a creative. Throughout the past few years, I’ve been learning how to work with my brain and body rather than against it, and finding routines and accommodations that work for me so I can perform at my very best and continue to do what I love. Being disabled can be socially isolating at times, but I have also realized the beauty in all of us being different. If we were all the same, our world would not be interesting, so we should share our uniqueness and gifts with the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional trombonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and music teacher. I perform in lots of musical styles, ranging from early to modern jazz, rock, funk, classical, and music from Latin America. I love any performance opportunity I get and being able to play in many styles. I recently performed with the Miami Pixel Symphony as their principal bass trombonist, which was both a fun and new experience for me as someone who primarily plays jazz tenor trombone. Sometimes, I’m recording my own music in a recording studio, and sometimes, I’m playing lead trombone in a big band. There truly is so much variety to being a professional musician, and each gig brings me new friendships, memories, and even new foods!
I also work with several educational and non-profit organizations as a photographer, social media manager, and graphic designer. I work with John Daversa as his podcast editor and social media manager and am the Social Media & Content Coordinator for the Frost Preparatory Program and Frost Summer Experience. In this role, I manage the brand identity and content output of both programs and get to capture the amazing learning experiences and concerts on camera. I have also taken photos for several concerts at the Frost School of Music, ranging from a solo piano recital to a jazz combo concert to a few full symphony orchestra performances. I love photography because it gives me a new way to interact with music and hear groups I might not have listened to before.
I recently released an album of mostly original music, Celebration, which celebrates my childhood, identity as a musician, and path toward the future. i love writing music that not only sounds memorable but also tells memorable stories. We all have stories to share, and music is a beautiful way of sharing those stories.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking can feel very daunting, like jumping into a big pond as a tiny fish. I recommend taking things one step at a time, and connecting with people anywhere you go. You never know who you might run into, and the person sitting next to you at a gig could give you opportunities for life! I’ve had gigs come to me through gigs I previously had, teaching at local schools, and even social media. Most of all, be yourself! When you speak passionately and authentically, your best self shines through to everyone in the room, and they will notice it. Put on a positive attitude and don’t be afraid to take on unfamiliar opportunities!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.izziguzman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzimakesmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzimakesmusic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzi-guzman/
- Twitter: https://x.com/izziguzman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@izziguzman
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@izzi.guzman
