Paul Tillery

Paul Tillery began playing bass in 1991. He first played in jazz bands and then ventured into punk music. After playing in numerous jazz festivals around California he met Robert Martinez the Director of Music at Bakersfield College. He urged Paul to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University, his Alma Mater and Paul's hometown. In 1998 Paul began his formal music training at Mesa College in San Diego. After auditioning Paul was admitted into the Applied Music Program and began studying with Legendary Bassist, Bob Magnusson. Paul would spend 3 years at Mesa learning music theory, sight-singing; while playing in the Big Band and Jazz combos. In 2001 Paul auditioned for for a scholarship and entry into the Jazz Program at SDSU. He was awarded a scholarship based entirely upon his playing ability and was granted access to the department. While at SDSU Paul studied with yet another well known bassist, Gunnar Biggs. During Paul's three year stay he studied: Jazz theory and composition with Rick Helzer, 20th century music and application with David Ward-Steinman, Latin Percussion with Kevin Delgado. Meanwhile Paul was able to secure spots in the Jazz Combos, SDSU Big Band, and SDSU Orchestra every semester he was enrolled. In December 2005, Paul was awarded a Bachelor of Music in Applied Sciences and Arts. Since 1996 Paul has been a full time member and sub for many different San Diego groups including: The San Diego Legacy Big Band (Jerry Fenwick Dir.), The Swingin EZ Big Band (Edward Zubov/Elliot Lawrence Dir.), The Del Bybee Big Band, The Third Coast Jazz Band. In late 2006 Paul moved to Portland, OR; where he played many club dates and Jazz jams with some of Portland's top players including Tim Dwight, Sam Hirsch, Darren Klein and Alan Tarpinian. Paul is now currently living in San Diego.