Addison Tharp is an accomplished composer, arranger, trumpet player, and pianist based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Tharp began playing piano at age 6 and picked up the trumpet at age 12. He was able to foster his love of music through playing in various groups and recitals as well as studying with Nancy Edison, Todd Motter, and Scotty Barnhart.

Tharp received a BFA in Jazz Studies from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in 2021 where he studied with Bill Lucas, Andrew Bishop, and Ellen Rowe.

He received his Master’s Degree from USC’s Thornton School of Music in 2023 where he studied with Vince Mendoza, Jason Goldman, and Michael Stever. Tharp has recorded, performed, and written for many different artists including the Yellow Jackets, Scotty Barnhart, and Charles McPhearson. He has recieved many awards, most notably the downbeat award for Jazz Arrangment-Large ensemble for his big band arrangement of Lenny White’s L’s Bop.

Currently, Tharp is continuing his education at USC, where he is completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies. He also teaches at Coast Music in Manhattan Beach and can be heard playing his music around the Los Angeles music scene.