Faculty Portrait

Contact Information

Name: Greg Johnson

Title: Assistant Professor of Music

Office Location: Capistrano 403

Email: g.johnson@csus.edu

Education : DMA, University of Southern California

Courses Taught : Applied Music - Saxophone (jazz), Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Improvisation

Profile

Dr. Greg Johnson is quickly becoming recognized as an important voice in the jazz community.  His distinctive saxophone sound and compositional style has found its way into multiple genres of Jazz, Classical and Popular music.  

As a saxophonist, Greg has appeared in concert and on over 40 mainstream recordings with jazz legends Curtis Fuller, Billy Taylor, Bob Mintzer and many more.  He has toured and performed with notable Pop and Rock acts such as Saint Motel, Robin Thicke and Barry Manilow, Skip Martin, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Eddie Holman and Jim Peterik, at some of the biggest venues and festivals in the world.       

Dr. Johnson has previously held positions at the University of Southern California, Marin School of the Arts and California State University Stanislaus.   Praised for his relatable and organic approach to improvisation, composition, and ensemble direction, he keeps an active schedule as a clinician and guest composer/saxophonist.    

Greg has released ten recordings under his name and has contributed to dozens more. His recent work has appeared on the GRAMMY ballot in six categories for his albums "Philosopher's Path" and "Visions of Kansas City."