2026 Guggenheim Fellow. 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition Winner.
The only jazz musician in history to hold both distinctions.
Now accepting residency bookings for the 2026–27 academic year.
Residency Opportunities
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Live Performance + Masterclass
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Ensemble + Small Group Work
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Lecture + Panel Discussion
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Performance Film Screening
“It’s difficult to make a living in the jazz world, but if you can’t imagine doing anything else in life, it’s certainly one of the most rewarding and expressive ways to live.”
Biography
Irabagon trained at DePaul University, the Manhattan School of Music, and Juilliard, where he earned an Artist Diploma. He is the founder of Irabbagast Records, a recipient of the Philippine Presidential Award — the highest civilian honor for overseas Filipinos — and a Rising Star honoree in Downbeat Magazine for both alto and tenor saxophone. As a bandleader and sideman, he has performed and recorded alongside Mary Halvorson, Dave Douglas, Patricia Brennan, and Barry Altschul.
In April 2026, Jon Irabagon was named a Guggenheim Fellow — one of 223 selected from nearly 5,000 applicants, and one of the most competitive honors in the arts. His Guggenheim Fellowship recognizes him as a composer of singular voice. His 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition win recognizes the other side of that equation — improvisational mastery and saxophonistic command at the highest level. Together, they make him the only jazz musician in history to hold both distinctions.
Winona State University · Cushing Academy · Capital University · Wittenberg University · University of North Florida · Columbia College Chicago · Otterbein University · Lenoir-Rhyne University · Beloit College · Western Illinois University · Gustavus Adolphus College · Le Petit Faucheux — Tours, France · Portland State University · Fresno State University · Towson University · Lick-Wilmerding High School · Georgetown Day School · The New School · DePaul University · University of Michigan · University of Wisconsin-Madison · Temple University · Hunter College · University of Toronto · Guildhall School of Music and Drama — London · SUNY Oneonta · University of Wisconsin-Parkside · Augustana University · Royal Academy of Music — London
Winona State University · Cushing Academy · Capital University · Wittenberg University · University of North Florida · Columbia College Chicago · Otterbein University · Lenoir-Rhyne University · Beloit College · Western Illinois University · Gustavus Adolphus College · Le Petit Faucheux — Tours, France · Portland State University · Fresno State University · Towson University · Lick-Wilmerding High School · Georgetown Day School · The New School · DePaul University · University of Michigan · University of Wisconsin-Madison · Temple University · Hunter College · University of Toronto · Guildhall School of Music and Drama — London · SUNY Oneonta · University of Wisconsin-Parkside · Augustana University · Royal Academy of Music — London
Jon has brought his residency to institutions across the world, working with students and faculty at every level. Bringing this depth directly into your program — shaped entirely around your students, your faculty, and your calendar.
“Jon dispelled any notion of the jazz ‘magician’ with his down to earth, humble, and honest sharing about his own artistic journey.
Instantly relatable, Jon’s masterclasses paired with his performances presented a transformative experience for our students to witness what trusting the process, approaching the bandstand with humility, and seeking connection through music could truly produce when lived day-in, day-out”