Braizahn Jones

Braizahn Jones is Assistant Principal Bass of the Oregon Symphony, a position he has held since fall 2018 after receiving tenure. A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, Jones studied with Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer over four years.

Originally from Las Vegas, NV, Jones studied with Paul Firak (Principal Bass, Las Vegas Philharmonic) before attending The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Jeffrey Weisner. He transferred to Curtis in 2014 and graduated in 2018.

Performance Experience

Jones has performed and toured with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Seattle Symphony. As a chamber musician, he has appeared with world-renowned artists at Chamber Music Northwest, Jackson Hole Chamber Music, Oregon Bach Festival, Bellingham Music Festival, and Pacific Music Institute.

He plays an early 19th-century Belgian double bass made by Franz Verhasselt, a historically significant instrument that reflects his commitment to classical performance standards.

Teaching & Education

Jones maintains an active teaching career, serving on faculty at:

Known for precise, detail-oriented teaching, he works with students at all levels to develop musical clarity and artistic confidence. He has served as guest faculty at Pacific Music Institute in Honolulu and at various festivals and youth orchestras locally, nationally, and internationally.

Umami Bass

Jones founded Umami Bass, an international workshop and performance initiative focused on bass pedagogy and community building. The program has been successfully held in Japan and the United States, fostering musical environments that value depth, curiosity, and meaningful collaboration.

Philosophy

Through his work as performer, teacher, and organizer, Jones aims to foster musical environments that value depth, curiosity, and meaningful collaboration. He is described as a passionate teacher and a double bassist, educator, and entrepreneur based in Portland, Oregon.