Jason Tanksley
Jason Tanksley, Brass Specialist
Jason Tanksley is a dynamic tubist, performer, and educator based in Minnesota. Currently serving as the Instructor of Tuba at St. Olaf College, he has dedicated his career to both high-level performance and the mentorship of emerging musicians. At the heart of his work is a deep belief that classical music is for everyone—a philosophy that drives both his performances and his teaching. Through his artistry, he strives to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where music can connect and inspire.
Jason’s performance credentials are extensive. He has collaborated with world-class orchestras, including The Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. In 2022, he performed with the Kennedy Center Honors Orchestra, contributing to one of the nation’s most prestigious artistic celebrations. As a soloist, he has appeared with the International Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Concert Band, Wayne State University Symphony Orchestra and its Wind Symphony, and the St. Olaf Band.
Beyond these engagements, Jason is an active chamber musician, performing with the St. Paul Conservatory of Music Brass Quintet and the St. Olaf Faculty Brass Quintet. With the St. Paul Conservatory of Music Brass Quintet, he regularly performs educational concerts throughout Minnesota, bringing live brass music to communities across the state. In 2024, he premiered Dusk by Jennifer Jolley—a new work for brass quintet and band—alongside his colleagues from the St. Olaf Faculty Brass Quintet and the students of the St. Olaf Band.
Jason’s versatility extends into principal roles and cross-genre collaborations. He served as principal tuba of the Artosphere Music Festival Orchestra and has performed with the National Arabic Orchestra and the Illharmonic Orchestra, embracing both Arabic music and hip hop. His recorded work includes appearances on The Cleveland Orchestra’s A New Century, Vol. 1, Minnesota Orchestra’s brea(d)th, and trumpet player Marissa Benedict’s Continental Shift album.
His excellence was recognized through a national search when he was awarded the Minnesota Orchestra’s Rosemary and David Good Fellowship, which he held from 2017 to 2019. In 2018, he toured with the Minnesota Orchestra to South Africa, and in 2023, he toured nationally with the Sphinx Orchestra, further expanding his artistic reach across the United States and abroad.
As an educator, Jason has shared his expertise through masterclasses at institutions such as Wright State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the National Costa Rican Institute of Music, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians, helping them find their artistic voices while pushing the boundaries of what the tuba can do. Above all, he hopes to foster an environment where all students—regardless of background—feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow as musicians and individuals.
Jason earned his Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Yasuhito Sugiyama, and his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University under Dennis Nulty.
When he’s not performing or teaching, Jason is a devoted Minnesota Timberwolves fan, enjoys exploring the outdoors, and loves to travel—always seeking new experiences both on and off the stage.
Jason is proudly a B&S, Melton Meinl Weston, and Buffet Crampon performing artist and clinician.