Jody Espina

Jody Espina built a distinguished career as both a musician and educator before launching his own line of saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces. His musical journey began early, first playing the recorder as a child and later the clarinet in his school band; by the age of 15 he was already performing three gigs a week. Jody continued to develop his talents while studying at Berklee College of Music and went on to teach music, including serving as Director of Jazz at the Hoff-Barthelson School of Music, while maintaining an active career as a professional jazz performer. Among the highlights of his performing career was the opportunity to play with jazz legend Ornette Coleman. In time Jody founded JodyJazz, focusing on designing and refining a respected line of saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces used by musicians around the world. Even while building the company, he has continued to perform and record with his trio, chamber group and theater company. In recent years Jody has also devoted time to visiting schools, working with band directors and coaching students—not to promote products, but to offer encouragement, support and inspiration to the next generation of musicians.