Meet Arlington Jones, Pianist, Composer and Educator in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlington Jones.

Arlington was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1973, but his family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1976 when his father received a job transfer. His musical journey started at an early age because of his parents’ music heritage and vast album collection. He began studying piano at age eight, started playing in church, and took drum lessons as well. His extraordinary talent and great passion for music soon blossomed. Watching him play now, no one could guess that he told his parents he wanted to stop taking lessons after the first week! Yet, with encouragement from them, he persisted.

Arlington’s study of classical music was later combined with jazz studies in college. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from Southwest Texas State University in music, composition, arranging, performance, theory, and jazz studies. His main jazz music influences are Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington. Claude Debussy is his favorite classical composer. Arlington expresses, “When I began taking piano lessons, I never imagined music would affect me in the way that it has. Playing music has become my destiny, my responsibility, my aspiration.”

His soulful style, lush harmonies, and impeccable groove are what he is known for. Whether performing solo or with his band, Arlington Jones & The Brethren, he has the gift to take listeners of all ages on an unforgettable journey – a contagious toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hand-clapping, head-bobbing experience! Not only is he pleased to listen to but also exhilarating to watch! Right through each note, Arlington exudes energy from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! Notable for always being dapper, he matches vintage threads and contemporary fashion with his eclectic tie and sneaker collection.

Over the years, Arlington has distinguished himself as a successful independent recording artist, composer, and producer under his label Zamaria Records. His music reveals the history of traditional and modern jazz, influenced by ragtime, stride, classical, blues, Latin, funk, and sacred styles. He has multiple album recordings and piano music books. He branded his own jazz piano techniques book, master class, and music web series entitled The Way I Hear It™. Arlington is a Steinway Artist. He tours internationally and has shared the stage with many music artists and groups. He contracts commissioned works, specializing in jazz piano concertos and modern sacred choral pieces.

Performing around the world provides a constant outlook on the music industry and helps him relate to music students and aspiring musicians. Arlington has years of experience as an educator, clinician, adjudicator, and guest lecturer in all levels of elementary, secondary, and higher education. He partners with a variety of music education programs, schools, universities, and organizations. He uses his innovative hands-on teaching techniques to educate piano students, other instrumentalists, and composers of all ages and genres. He created a special interactive presentation for kids called I Can Improvise™ Youth Concert, a fun way to learn about song form, improvisation, music history, and concert etiquette.

Between tour dates, Arlington is involved with arts and jazz preservation programs. He is currently the Artistic Director for the Sammons Jazz Program at the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas, Texas. He helped to spearhead the Dallas Jazz Appreciation Month committee. He serves on the Advisory Committee for the Cedar Valley College Music Department. His contributions in the arts and music education communities have led to great awards and acknowledgments.

Arlington seeks to promote the preservation and appreciation of music as an art form by pairing energetic live performances with music education and history. He is devoted to the enrichment and empowerment of musicians and their families through master classes, clinics, workshops, and literature. Most importantly, Arlington is dedicated to creating music that speaks life to the hearts, minds, and souls of people around the world – music that will evoke joy, hope, faith, peace, healing, and love for all generations and cultures!

Arlington and his wife, Hope, have a daughter, Christian, and a son, Arlington III. Together, they have founded The Music Stand, a nonprofit organization. He and his family live in Arlington, Texas.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Without the support of a major record label, the independent artist is responsible for every aspect of the business including producing the music, paying for the project and developing the marketing campaign.

Arlington Jones – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a pianist, composer, educator and Steinway Artist. I compose and release original music. My primary genre is jazz, yet I enjoy exploring different music styles and rhythms. I like to write music that takes people on a journey. I am always humbled and honored when people express how moved they are by the music I create and how it makes them feel better. My music appeals to all ages and cultures.

As an educator, I love getting people excited about playing music. I use creative ways to help students learn and retain the information. I tailor the music instruction with personalized arrangements, compositions, and practice techniques.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being a complete person, one who prioritizes and balances God, family, and career. I believe a successful person also has good character and is well respected.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arlingtonjones.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/arlingtonjones
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlingtonjones
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/arlingtonjones
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/arlingtonjones

Image Credit:
Bart Marantz, Luis Perez, Hope N. Jones

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