Russell “Billy” Buss
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Billy Buss is an award-winning trumpet player, composer, producer, and educator. He has been recognized by DownBeat magazine, the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, and the White House (as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts).
In 2014, he was awarded second place at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Trumpet Competition. Buss maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule throughout the United States and internationally. You can find him performing with his band, B-Squared Jazz Productions, or as a collaborator on a host of projects, ranging from hip-hop and pop to classical and jazz.
Buss serves on the faculty in the Brass, Harmony and Ensemble departments at Berklee College of Music, and leads ensembles and private lessons at the New England Conservatory’s Prep Program. From 2013 to 2018, he directed the general music, choral, and instrumental studies program at Mission Hill School K–8 in Boston. During that same period, Buss was a senior faculty member in the Brass and Piano departments at the Boston School of Music Arts.
- Composed and recorded original music for Scenes from a Dream
- Artist in residence and performer, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Nepal (International Jazz Day, 2015)
- Toured with “Deltron 3030” and appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman
- Participated in State Department tour of China with Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and the Thelonious Monk Institute (performances in the Forbidden City and at the 2010 World Expo)
- Second place, 2014 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Trumpet Competition
- Television Appearance on UP, Junior!, a competitive music game show produced by American Idol vocal coach Nick Cooper on Hunan TV in China.
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School NameLoyola University New OrleansState or ProvinceLouisianaDegreeMaster of Music (M.M.)Field of StudyMusicDate Degree Received
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School NameBerklee College of MusicState or ProvinceMassachusettsDegreeBachelor of Music (B.M.)Field of StudyProfessional MusicDate Degree Received