Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Dr. Adam Johnson began playing the trombone at the age of 12. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe followed by a Masters of Music degree from Yale University where he studied with Scott Hartman. As a student at Yale, Adam performed with the Yale Symphony Orchestra on tour throughout Eastern Europe, giving concerts in Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Upon completion of the M.M. he began doctoral studies at Indiana University where his primary teacher was Peter Ellefson. His studies at IU were cut short when he was appointed second trombonist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004. Adam chose to continue work toward his doctorate at Ball State University and in the fall of 2010 he successfully defended his dissertation and was awarded the Doctor of Arts degree. In addition to 12 years of orchestral work in Fort Wayne, he has also performed with many other orchestras including substitute work in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops. Adam has also done considerable work as a jazz and studio musician. As a soloist, he has performed concertos on two occasions with the IPFW University/Community Orchestra and tour performances with the University of Louisiana at Monroe Wind Ensemble. Additionally, Adam has been selected twice to participate in the Alessi Seminar, an intense ten day seminar led by Joseph Alessi, the principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and professor of trombone at the Juilliard School. Adam has previously held teaching positions at Taylor University, Ball State University, and Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne.