Dr. Jason Sulliman, Associate Professor of Trombone in the John M. Long School of Music, will represent Troy University at the 2026 International Trombone Festival in Riga, Latvia from July 29 to August 1.
At the festival, Sulliman will present his research on brass pedagogy, an area where he has become a respected voice within the international trombone community. In addition, he will perform a new work for trombone written by TROY Lecturer of Music Dr. Traci Mendel, adjudicate an international youth solo competition and lead a group warm-up for attendees.
The International Trombone Festival has a rich 55-year history celebrating performances by the world’s leading trombonists. While brass pedagogy has had a limited presence at the festival, four presenters earned the opportunity to present research findings this year, with Sulliman among the only researchers to be selected for four consecutive years.
“It is natural for people to turn to the hard sciences and STEM fields for quantitative research; however, the performing arts can provide an equally fertile environment from which to seek new answers,” said Sulliman, who has a background in kinesiology and motor learning in addition to music.
Sulliman has dedicated his career to using the performing arts as a vehicle to drive innovative research with broad utility across disciplines. In the past, he has consulted with coaches of professional sports teams on innovative ways to train players based on knowledge gained from his work with musicians. He has also started talks with other TROY professors, including Dr. Grant Mouser, Associate Professor and Exercise Physiology Program Coordinator, regarding interdisciplinary possibilities on campus.
“Dr. Mouser and I have started talking about electromyography measurement on facial muscles to test my facial stability training methods for brass players, and who knows, this research may lead to all sorts of applications like new rehabilitative methods for stroke patients who struggle with regaining facial control in recovery,” said Sulliman. “The potential connections are limitless between the performing arts and STEM research. You just have to think creatively.”
Sulliman will give a lecture on training agility, which he said lines up well with athletics.
“Today athletes are utilizing training methods that include oxygen deprivation, blood flow restriction, and overspeed training to enhance their abilities, and most musicians do not have enough of a background in these areas due to the rigorous requirements of their own musical training,” said Sulliman. “I have found a passion in trying to bridge that gap and appreciate the support from the Troy University Faculty Development Committee for the presentation grant that is helping to make this possible.”
