About John

John Moulder is a guitarist and composer whose music has evolved from various musical traditions. His most recent release entitled Metamorphosis (Origin 2022) features pianist Richie Beirach, Steve Rodby, Paul Wertico and new compositions penned by Moulder and described by Raul da Gama as, “an album of music to die for.” Decade:Memoirs (2018) was named one of Chicago Tribune’s 10 best new jazz recordings of the year in 2018. Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit (Origin 2016) features saxophonist Donny McCaslin and many other long- time musical companions. Inspired by soulful individuals, it has been described as a contemporary musical narrative. Earthborn Tales was a featured performance for the 2014 Made in Chicago concert series in Millennium Park. John’s compositions and playing are featured on his CDs entitled Awakening (Mo-Tonal Records 1993), Through the Open Door (Igmod/Mo-Tonal Records 1997), Spirit Talk (NAIM 2003), and Trinity (Origin 2006) and Bifrost (Origin 2009) were both named one of the ten best jazz CDs of 2006 and 2009 respectively by the Chicago Tribune.

In the course of his career John is grateful to have played with a range of talented musicians, both known and unknown. In live performances and recordings, John has played with diverse artists such as Eddie Harris, Paul McCandless, Lyle Mays, Arild Anderson, Bendik Hofseth and Kurt Elling. From his hometown of Chicago, he has performed with some outstanding musicians too numerous to mention and enjoys collaborating with them for various projects. He has worked in a number of groups with trumpeter and conductor Orbert Davis including his dynamic Chicago Jazz Philharmonic which he has been a member of for over 10 years

Televised feature stories on John and his work have aired on Artbeat (WTTW) and Chicago Tonight (WTTW).He has played nationally and internationally at numerous festivals, clubs and concert halls. John received his Masters degree in music from Northwestern University. As an educator, he is currently a faculty member at Northwestern University, and the College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He teaches master classes and conducts clinics at universities, high schools, music institutes and other settings.

Teaching Testimonials

Guitar Lessons

John Moulder has been instrumental in my development as a jazz musician. His teaching approach has been focused on working on my jazz improvisational skills

Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

Guitar Lessons

Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

John Moulder has been instrumental in my development as a jazz musician. His teaching approach has been focused on working on my jazz improvisational skills as well as building my song repertoire and jazz theory knowledge. John has helped me prepare for success in a number of programs, such as Illinois’ All-State band as well as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy for high-school students.
Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

...I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

I’ve had the pleasure of studying with John for the past three years and have not only grown as a musician but also as an

Erik Skov, Chicago

...I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

Erik Skov, Chicago

I’ve had the pleasure of studying with John for the past three years and have not only grown as a musician but also as an educator and person. We explored many ways of approaching music, from the simpler aspects of modal vamps, to playing over standards, to creating original music. John was very helpful in the creative process and allowed me to find my own musical and compositional voice. John introduced me to the concept of playing scales in 12 positions that added to my knowledge of the instrument, expanded my articulation, and allowed me to access new musical ideas. He also taught with a chords-first approach that focused on voice-leading and expanded my chordal knowledge. He placed an emphasis on being a rounded musician, and encouraged me to play multiple guitars and banjo, which has made me a more marketable guitarist.
On a professional level, John has provided me many opportunities including gigs, private guitar students, and college-level teaching. He has introduced me to many of the key players in the Chicago scene. John prepared me for graduate school auditions by reviewing my audition material and suggesting additional pieces. While I attended Northwestern University, John was my private lessons instructor. He continued to help me with my graduate work, provided unique ideas for independent studies, and offered valuable insight into post-graduate opportunities. John has greatly influenced the way I think about practicing, writing, and teaching. I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

Erik Skov, Chicago

You'll be studying with the best!

"I've been studying with John for more than two and a half years. I can't imagine where my playing would be without him. He's been

Will Finnegan, Northwestern University

You'll be studying with the best!

Will Finnegan, Northwestern University

"I've been studying with John for more than two and a half years. I can't imagine where my playing would be without him. He's been an amazing resource, with a wealth of knowledge in everything from bebop to fusion. He's also been an incredible teacher, giving me a tailored program of all the theory, technique, and repertoire I need to succeed as a jazz musician. Most importantly, he's just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet. I would highly recommend him to any aspiring guitarist. You'll be studying with the best!"

old dog, new tricks...

John Moulder CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I've been taking lessons for years. In just a few months, John has my playing and

Mike Fine

old dog, new tricks...

Mike Fine

John Moulder CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I've been taking lessons for years. In just a few months, John has my playing and understanding of music growing by leaps and bounds!

... I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

Studying with John Moulder helped me grow immensely as a guitarist and overall musician. John spent time taking me through methodical aspects of jazz comping

Jake Ishler, Berklee College of Music

... I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

Jake Ishler, Berklee College of Music

Studying with John Moulder helped me grow immensely as a guitarist and overall musician. John spent time taking me through methodical aspects of jazz comping and chord voicings along with helping me to understand harmony in common jazz standards. As a result, I got a wealth of information and developed skills from John that helped me place in advanced ensembles at Berklee College of Music, and test out of many required courses. Not only did I learn so much from John, but he is also a very caring person and teacher who always helped me put my best foot forward in life, and musical endeavors. I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

He made music where there was none.

I am a ‘non-traditional’ student. Specifically, I came to my lessons with a load of music theory knowledge, but very little playing experience. My need

Stephen Hill

He made music where there was none.

Stephen Hill

I am a ‘non-traditional’ student. Specifically, I came to my lessons with a load of music theory knowledge, but very little playing experience. My need was simple – to apply theory in real time. And make some listenable music, if possible. John immediately saw where I was and where I wanted to go. He is working me through what I call “John Moulder’s 18 steps to Guitar Greatness.” He has a penetrating ability to see where I am in my journey to fluency and give me exercises that accelerate my progress. And what progress I have made! John brought me from a very low base to an impressive level in a very short time. He is infinitely patient (my progress is slow), and always encouraging (even when I don’t see the progress). He is, in a way, a miracle worker. He made music where there was none.