Celebrated Trombonist Mark “Notesmith” Williams joins UMD School of Music as Acting Director of Jazz Studies

Williams brings his unique flare as a musician, producer and educator to the school beginning this fall.

By TJ Wagman '20

Trombonist Mark “Notesmith” Williams has played at venues around the world showcasing his unique intersection of jazz, blues and gospel. And he’s performed with some of the most respected artists of our time, including rapper and singer Lauryn Hill, hip-hop producer DJ Premier and guitarist Steven Van Zandt.

Now Williams joins the University of Maryland School of Music (SOM) faculty as the acting director of jazz studies, helping shape the next generation of jazz artists. 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Williams attended both Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program and the LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, earning a full scholarship to Howard University. During his time as an undergrad, he caught the ear of Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go,” who hired Williams after one audition. 

Williams completed his Bachelor of Arts in music education and Master of Arts in jazz studies at Howard while playing on the road with Brown for six years. After leaving the Chuck Brown Band, he was recruited by the Count Basie Orchestra, where he has been the resident trombonist for the past 13 years. He played on the orchestra’s three Grammy-nominated albums: “Slow Boat Leaving China,” “All About That Basie” and “Live at Birdland.” Williams is also the trombonist on the Grammy-nominated albums “Generations” and “Live at Apparatus” by jazz duo The Baylor Project. “Generations” also received the 2022 NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Jazz Album - Vocal category.

In addition to his performing credits, Williams is an advocate for arts education. He hosts ongoing “Brass in the Class” workshops, in which he creates a hands-on approach to enrich children with artistic skills and cultural knowledge. Williams is especially committed to bringing the arts to underserved populations. He previously taught at the Manhattan Charter School and is a part-time faculty member at The New School in New York City.

“Mark Williams is an innovative musician who pushes the boundaries of his artistry,” said SOM Director Gregory Miller. “He will inspire students to forge their own artistic path and consider the ways in which they can impact the world with their music.”

The School of Music’s jazz ensembles are composed of more than 100 students. Each year, the premier UMD Jazz Ensemble performs at many off-campus events including the Maryland Music Educators Association annual conference and various local jazz festivals; it is one of three elite bands that performs at the Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C.