John Koozin

John Koozin is a New York-based bassist, composer, and educator whose narrative-driven playing reflects a deep artistic sensibility. Drawing inspiration from cinema, visual arts, literature, faith, video games, and close collaborators, Koozin seeks to spark dialogue and unity through sound.

Originally from Houston, Texas, John grew up in a musical household and attended the acclaimed High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He also studied at Domaine Forget in Québec before relocating to New York in 2014 with a scholarship to The New School for Contemporary Music. His mentors include Paul Ellison, François Rabbath, Linda May Han Oh, Reggie Workman, and Renaud Garcia-Fons—luminaries whose influence continues to echo through his work.

In New York and beyond, John has carved out a dynamic career as both a leader and sideman. He has performed at premier venues such as Birdland Jazz Club, Lincoln Center, Smalls, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the United Nations. International highlights include appearances at the Berne Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Star Eyes (Japan), and performances with the Houston Symphony and the Metropole Orkest.

More Venues: 55 Bar, The Jazz Gallery, Zinc Bar, Minton’s Playhouse, Mercury Lounge, The Museum of Moving Image, and The United Nations. Beyond New York, Koozin has performed at Cezanne’s (Houston), Monk’s (Austin), The Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis), the Pashkevich Jazz Club (Latvia), and Joffrey School of Ballet

He has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as Jason Moran, Joel Ross, Adam O’Farrill, Antonio Hart, Kalia Vandever, Matt Wilson, Arta Jēkabsone, François Rabbath.

Educator & Mentor

John is a passionate educator dedicated to cultivating the next generation of artists and musicians in NYC. In addition to teaching at The New School and with Jazz House Kids, he serves as Director of Music at The Q StudioLab in Queens.