JUSTIN ROCK

After seven original records and an ongoing slew of live performances,  Justin continues to hone his own unique musical voice, steadily proving to be one of our times great multifaceted and prolific artists. On certain nights he can be found singing and strumming original songs, and other nights as the lead guitarist in a vast array of groups in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Whatever the style, and whatever the setting, Justin's sound always manages to find a complimentary place in the music that he's a part of and consistently brings forth an honest and expressive energy. In addition to performance and teaching, Justin also composes for commercials and film. 

Born into a musical household, Justin's exposure began at a young age. He recollects hearing all kinds of music, from classical symphonies to jazz standards to folk songs and everything in between. These influences led to many early childhood instrumental experiences. Starting with the piano, followed by the trumpet, Justin eventually found his way to the guitar, the instrument that would influence him the most. Onwards through elementary/middle/high school Justin dabbled on many other instruments. After a year in Chicago attending DePaul University spent mostly compiling original music in his spare time, Justin returned to Detroit where he enrolled at Wayne State University and went on to receive and B.A. in jazz studies and guitar performance. 

Justin now resides on the west coast where he continues to teach (SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop and outreach programs, private lessons), compose (original music and commercials for Kraft, Contigo, Jockey, Con Agra, Keurig, and more), and perform (w/ the likes of David Binney, Roy Hargrove, Allison Miller, Rufus Reid, Stacy Dillard, Jacam Manricks, Dillon Vado's "Never Weather", Logan Kane's "Open Eyes", LOUIZA, Steven Lugerner and The Sluggish Ensemble, Stumble Day, Bastet, and many others). Keep a lookout for new music and tour dates in 2019-2020!