Dawson Coleman

About Dawson

Dawson Coleman is the Instructor of Saxophone at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He has received national recognition as a soloist by the North American Saxophone Alliance, Music Teachers National Association, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and the Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance, among others. As a concerto soloist, he has been featured with the Florida State University Philharmonia, the contemporary music ensemble Polymorphia, and Interlochen’s Intermediate Wind Symphony. Recent engagements include performances at Missouri State University, the University of Central Missouri, the University of Kansas, and Ohio State University.

A dedicated educator, Coleman has served on the faculty of Interlochen Arts Camp since 2023 and currently holds both the Saxophone Graduate Teaching Assistantship and the Saxophone Quartet Fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. His high school students have earned top placements in regional, state and national honor bands, and secured substantial talent scholarships to prestigious institutions across the United States. In addition to his private teaching, he has recently presented guest masterclasses for college students at Eastern Michigan University, the University of Central Missouri, Missouri State University, and the University of Kansas.

Coleman holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A proud JLV Ambassador, he performs exclusively on JLV ligatures for their responsiveness.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in empowering my students to become self-reliant artists equipped with the tools and confidence necessary for lifelong success. I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their musical ideas, fostering a sense of community among peers and trust between teacher and student. By encouraging open discussions about their ambitions, we collaboratively identify strategies for success, ensuring they feel both supported and empowered throughout their artistic journey.