Photo by Jack Young 

Paul Johnson is a lifelong musician, who loves to play music and to teach others to do the same. He received a baritone ukulele for Christmas when he was 6, and soon switched to the guitar. At 14, he heard George Benson's Weekend in LA record, and began to pursue jazz guitar in high school as a result, studying with Portland area professionals Max Reese and Dan Balmer. At the same time, he began to take the classical guitar seriously and studied with Ian Mitchell, head of the guitar department at Lewis and Clark College. Paul went on to major in guitar at Central Washington University while earning a degree in music education.

Paul begin playing with saxophonist Darren Motamedy in 2007, gaining much experience and exposure as they played gigs throughout the Puget Sound area. After playing on two of Motamedy's CDs, Paul released his own recording, Coming Home, in 2010, featuring Darren on the opening track. Currently, he can be found playing as a soloist, leading a trio or quartet, or playing a support role with other musicians in the Seattle area. 

Paul is currently the band director for Maple View Middle school in the Tahoma School District in Maple Valley, WA. He received a master's degree from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. He lives with his wife in Auburn, WA. 

To book Paul for a performance, either as a soloist or with a group, please contact him at [email protected].