Joshua Polion is an active performer, educator, and curator of Black American Music. As a Jazz Trumpeter, Big Band Composer, and Poetic Rapper, his music resonates with peace, equality, love and spiritual connection. 

 

From Louisville, Kentucky, Joshua grew up immersed in diverse cultures and guided by devoted mentors like Ansyn Banks and  Mondre Moffett, who fueled his creative spirit. His debut album, First Dive: Miami, introduces audiences to a bold fusion of neo-soul textures and jazz harmony, setting the stage for a career marked by originality and vision.

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His journey has already taken him across the globe—from Dizzy’s Club in New York to the Jazz Education Network in New Orleans, big band tours in Los Angeles, and the International Association of Jazz in Austria. Joshua has already made his mark as a fearless, versatile performer. In May of 2025, he received a DownBeat Student Award, affirming his reputation as a rising voice in contemporary jazz.

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Joshua is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in jazz trumpet performance at the Peabody Institute as a student of Sean Jones. He earned his undergraduate degree in jazz performance with a minor in music business from the University of Miami. During this time he studied under the great trumpeter Brian Lynch as well as other Frost School of Music faculty such as Dafnis Prieto, Martin Bejerano, Etienne Charles, and Dr. John Daversa.