Jon Dixon

Ever since he could remember, Jonathan Dixon has had a passion for music. He has played piano by ear since the age of four and has always enjoyed challenging himself by learning music in this manner. He began reading and studying classical music at the age of 15 while enrolled at The High School For Fine and Performing Arts where he also studied Jazz with Mr. Edward Quick. Although he now maintains a busy academic schedule in WSU’s BA Music program, Jonathan has somehow managed to find time to gig and share the stage with legendary artists such as The Count Basie Orchestra, Marcus Belgrave, Jeff Hamilton, Chick Corea and others. Equally adept as solo artist or band member, you can find him performing in and around the Detroit area as well as around the world. Congratulations went out to Jonathan and his quintet for winning the 2005 Heinekin StarQuest Competition! The group, known as Jazz Wagon, has recently completed their debut Jazz disc. Mr. Dixon can be heard playing acoustic piano, Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes and synthesizer. Jonathan also travels as a keyboardist for Universe 2 Universe, which is under Underground Resistance. It is Jonathan Dixon’s belief that music has the ability to speak to the heart mind and soul of an individual – truly a universal language. Jonathan has been able to study jazz with two of Detroit's finest Marcus Belgrave (trumpet), and Matt Michaels (piano) and is now getting hands on experience in techno with some of the world's most talented musicians and DJ's. "It's not how many notes you play", says Jonathan, "but it's the notes you choose to play and how you play them. If people feel the music, they feel you!" Once you’ve heard him play, it is apparent that Jonathan Dixon has obtained full mastery of this language.