Jaden Adkins, a native of Dover, Delaware, completed his Bachelor of Music Performance Degree with a concentration on tuba from Delaware State University in 2022 and his Master of Music Degree in Music Performance from Penn State University in 2024. He studied with Dr. Frank Gazda at Delaware State University and Professor Velvet Brown at Penn State University. Adkins serves as the Adjunct Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium at Penn State University, and he served as a staff assistant with the Penn State Marching Blue Band. In addition to his studies, Adkins has performed with many award-winning artists, including Jon Batiste, Jason Moran, Eric Darius (on drums), and Quincy Jones. Adkins has also performed in many cities within the United States, and he has performed in Italy and France. His love for music was instilled in his childhood by his parents and siblings playing music both in the house and in church, and his passion for education stems from his time at Delaware State University. He feels like his life’s work is to inspire students to be the best version of themselves through teaching music.