A dynamic force in the jazz world, Jen Krupa is an accomplished performer, educator, and leader. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship, transformative teaching, and dedicated service to the jazz community, her influence extends across generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.

Throughout her career, Krupa has shared the stage with an extraordinary roster of musicians. A  versatile trombonist, she has performed with luminaries such as Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, Miguel Zenón, Jon Faddis, Bill Watrous, Wycliffe Gordon, Seamus Blake, Eddie Daniels, Jane Monheit, Ingrid Jensen, Sean Jones, Michael Bublé, Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Diane Schuur, Nancy Wilson, John Clayton, Marlena Shaw and many more. She is the lead trombonist in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and her performances have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl.

Krupa is also a dedicated educator and mentor, currently serving as a faculty member at The Juilliard School, where she coaches small ensembles. She has previously taught jazz trombone at the University of Maryland and conducted guest clinics, masterclasses, and adjudications across the United States. Her work includes guest conductor roles with the University of Scranton World Premiere Composition Series Concert, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and high school honor jazz ensembles, as well as presentations at major conferences such as the Jazz Educators Network, Midwest Clinic, and the International Trombone Festival.

A prolific arranger and composer, Krupa has contributed original works and arrangements to a wide variety of ensembles, featured in recordings and performances across the globe. Her extensive discography spans nearly 30 recordings, with artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Johnny Mandel, Ted Nash, Kristen Lee Sergeant, Leigh Pilzer, the Scott Silbert Big Band, the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.

In her two-decade tenure with the United States Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble, Krupa held multiple key roles, including music director, arranger, tour manager, operations and personnel manager, and trombonist. She contributed significantly to the ensemble’s national profile, collaborating with artists such as Melissa Aldana, Terrell Stafford, Jason Mraz, Sean Jones, and James Taylor. The Commodores have recorded two of her arrangements, “Freight Trane” and “Four on Six.”

Krupa’s educational journey began in Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in jazz studies from the University of North Florida, studying with Rich Matteson, Bunky Green, and Jack Peterson. She continued her studies at The Juilliard School as part of its inaugural jazz studies class, completing an Artist Diploma in 2003, studying trombone with Wycliffe Gordon and arranging with David Berger. In 2010, she completed her Master of Music in jazz studies at the University of Maryland, studying trombone with Jim McFalls.