Jon Watson is a proud alumnus of SoCal Jazz Academy, where he was honored as “Student of the Year” in 2021. After graduating in 2022, he’s thrilled to return to the program as a drum instructor, helping beginning drummers build a solid foundation for future musical growth. His engaging and encouraging teaching style inspires students to explore, have fun, and discover the joy of playing drums.

A working drummer and bandleader, Jon leads Jazz Fellowship, an ensemble featuring a rotating lineup of talented young jazz musicians performing regularly across Southern California.

Jon’s musical journey began early with both clarinet and drums. In high school, he was active in the marching band, orchestra, stage band, and pit orchestra, and served as First Chair Clarinet with the prestigious Claremont Youth Symphony Orchestra. As an award-winning snare drummer and drumline leader for Claremont High School, he led his team to numerous top finishes at regional and statewide competitions. He also toured internationally with the Young California Musicians Abroad concert band, performing in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Jon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Irvine, where he played drums with the university’s jazz band, and an MBA from Seattle University. He’s had a successful career in business and technology, working in sales, marketing, software development, and project management at companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 firms.

He lives in La Verne, CA, with his wife of 36 years and their fun-loving Labrador Retriever. They have a grown son. In his free time, Jon enjoys cycling and traveling whenever possible.