Daily Dad News

California Music Instructor Models Teaching Style After His Father

February 29, 2012

Image courtesy of Lezlie Sterling

College professor and trumpet instructor Joe Mazzaferro caught the teaching bug from a very familiar source. His father, Jim, is a high school music teacher and the pair has established a bond rooted in a love for music all while passing on their knowledge to willing students. Hailing from a musical family, the younger Mazzaferro has admittedly taken on some of his father’s teaching mannerisms.

“I catch myself doing and saying a lot of things that come from him, " said Joe to the Sacramento Bee. Joe is currently an adjunct professor of jazz studies at Sacramento State and the University of the Pacific. He also manages to teach trumpet at Delta College. Joe gets his penchant for multiple jobs honestly, as his father works for Sheldon High in Sacramento and also teaches part time at Cosumnes River College.

The Mazzaferros work together every few weeks as Joe joins his father in classroom instruction at Sheldon. Apparently, Joe’s style is so similar to Jim’s that even the students have taken quick notice. “The first time I worked with the kids, they couldn't stop laughing," Joe said. "They said, 'You sound just like your father.' "

The elder Mazzaferro said named his son as his favorite student but has taught other students who have gone on to good careers in music. “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" trombonist Garrett Smith was a former student of his. Matthew Muckey, a trumpeter with the New York Philharmonic, was also in his classroom as well.

Return To Daily Dad News >>