Biography
John Lee, is a composer and guitarist residing in Washington D.C., who has devoted his life to exploring the art of music. Lee earned a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from The New School University, Mannes Jazz and Contemporary Music Program and has studied with Debashish Bhattacharya, Paul Bollenback, Dave Fiuczynski, George Garzone, Jamey Haddad, Johnny Hiland, Wayne Krantz, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Gary Thomas. Since earning his degree he has toured and performed with prominent figures: Cyro Baptista, Fatoumata Diawara, Hassan Hakmoun, Matisyahu, Christian Scott and Keller Williams, plus rising D.C. stars Kris Funn, Mark Meadows, and Nicole Saphos.
As one of D.C.’s most sought after musicians, Lee can be heard playing guitar on over fifteen recorded albums and led the release of four of his own albums: Caveman Before the World, Totem, Somewhere Impossible to Find, and Nature Series. Lee’s love for world music and versatility with many styles enables him to travel the world performing in Brazil, Canada, Israel, Equador, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, and right here in the U.S.A.
Currently, Lee teaches for MusiCorps, a music rehabilitation program that pairs top-notch professionals in the field with wounded service members to help them recover their lives through musical study at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Lee’s philosophy is that “You are your own best teacher.” He is excited and enthusiastic about joining the Jazz and Commercial Division at Towson University.