Lawson McGuinness

I’m Lawson McGuinness, a jazz trombonist, educator and composer based in the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia. As an active member within the music scene in Australia, I perform regularly across the city and country in a variety of groups and styles, including big band, jazz, salsa, classical and commercial/pop.

I’ve also collaborated with multiple artists of across all styles internationally, including James Morrison, Fanny Lumsden, Yan Collazo (Grammy-nominee), Hot Dub Time Machine (DJ), Mark Vincent, Will Vinson (NY), Sydney Jazz Orchestra and Judy Bailey’s Jazz Connection, to name a few. I’ve performed at events across the country, from music festivals such as Wine Machine and Twilight at Taronga Zoo, to jazz festivals such as International Jazz Day, to more intimate settings of small-group jazz and funk ensembles, including my Quintet, performing my original music.

I am most known and hired for lead trombone playing (big band), improvisation, composition and arranging, as well as session playing (on-stage productions & recording sessions). I am also a fluent jazz pianist and drummer.

Throughout my musical journey, including study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of Australia's finest musicians including Judy Bailey, James Greening and Michael Rivett, to name a few. These artists have shaped my musical development, and have inspired me to carve out my own personal musical flavour, as well as to develop a meaningful ‘WHY’ when it comes to performing music.


I believe that everyone has something meaningful to say, whether that comes in the form of words, music, art, etc. It is essential to both connect to one’s inner voice/inner artist, and to develop the relevant skill set so that these ideas can be expressed articulately and authentically. This allows individuals to share a slice of their self-expression with the world – what a gift!

Some of my life highlights - so far, are authentic musical moments, created ‘in the moment’ with friends and shared with the audience. In my opinion, this is the purpose of music.

Being well versed in all brass technique and pedagogy, with a refined technical approach to brass playing over many years, I see instrumental technique as a key component to ‘unlocking’ one’s musical potential. I have been putting this philosophy into practice, inspiring and educating others. I have been teaching for the past 9 years, in settings of individuals, group-lessons, rehearsing school bands and jazz ensembles, running masterclasses, as well as teaching composition and arranging. My passion when it comes to tuition, is to connect with the student, explore their own musical ideals and taste, and equip them with the relevant skills to be able to perform and participate in this music, in whatever setting that may take.

These experiences have lead me, in the present, to be an ever-learning and growing musician and an avid teacher, who is passionate to bring experience and energy to students, and inspire them to have fun, to become the best they can be - both within and outside music.
It is my hope and goal to coach students to this level, so that they too can participate in the pure joy of performing and participating in music.