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James Lane

Adjunct Faculty

Trombone and Director of the WFU Jazz Ensemble

James Lane is a passionate educator, performer, and scholar dedicated to advancing jazz and trombone pedagogy. He serves as Director of Jazz Ensembles and Instructor of Trombone at Wake Forest University, where he leads the university’s jazz ensemble and teaches applied trombone.

Lane holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Trombone Performance and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Jazz Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music performance and education from UNCG and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

As a clinician and guest artist, Lane has presented at the North Carolina Trombone Festival and worked with numerous public school jazz festivals and workshops. His ongoing clinic series, inspired by Clark Terry, Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate, emphasizes foundational strategies for developing improvisation and swing.

An active performer, Lane plays with several jazz and commercial ensembles, including the Bay Street Big Band, Rebekah Todd Band, and Joe Brown Big Band. In addition, he is also a frequent collaborator in pit orchestras, chamber groups, and symphonic ensembles across the region.

Lane’s approach to music education centers on mentorship, community engagement, and musical curiosity. He is a member of the International Trombone Association, Jazz Education Network, and National Association for Music Educators.