Isaac Kaplan

Isaac Kaplan is a New York–based trombonist and music educator with nearly 15 years of professional experience. Equally at home on the concert stage and in the classroom, he has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Birdland, and has taught at institutions including the Manhattan School of Music and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.

Known for his rich tone and fluid improvisational voice, Isaac has become one of the most sought-after trombonists in the New York scene. His versatility spans modern jazz, classical, Latin, and rock music, and he has collaborated with artists across an exceptional range of styles and settings.

A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (BM ’11, MM ’13), Isaac studied with world-renowned trombonists including Andy Martin, Alex Iles, Steve Turre, and Luis Bonilla.

As an educator, Isaac brings enthusiasm, clarity, and a deep love of music to every lesson. He combines technical precision with conceptual depth, helping students not only master their instruments but also discover and refine their own musical voice. Since 2013, he has served as the Jazz Trombone Faculty member in the MSM Precollege Division, and since 2011 he has taught in the MSM Summer Program, leading private lessons, ensembles, and theory/ear training courses.

I believe every student brings a unique blend of musical and cultural experiences that shape their personal voice. My goal is to help students deepen their understanding of music theory and brass performance while cultivating their own artistic judgment to become the players they aspire to be. My teaching combines technical rigor with thoughtful dialogue to uncover the personal meaning behind music and the discipline of learning a craft.