University of Rhode Island professor Emmett Goods always knew he wanted to pursue the art of jazz.
Goods grew up in Pittsburgh and learned his appreciation of music, especially jazz, from a young age. His older brother was a jazz musician, and seeing the success and attention he got from playing music inspired Goods.
Goods’ late grandfather was also a jazz musician, so music was a family tradition.
“Although my mother is not a musician, she goes to a lot of live music,” Goods said. “I grew up going to concerts with her and a lot of times it would be jazz.”
According to Goods, there was also a resurgence of jazz music in the 1980s. Jazz started to influence mainstream pop music, and this reinforced his interest in the genre.
“I don’t think I ever wanted to do anything else as much as I wanted to do music,” Goods said.
Goods earned his bachelors of music in jazz studies from Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut. He also has a master’s degree in music in jazz studies from Georgia State University, and a doctorate of musical arts in trombone performance from West Virginia University.
In addition to his education, Goods has an expansive portfolio of experience, including traveling and recording with Jennifer Holiday’s band, and playing with Aretha Franklin.
Goods currently plays with the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and most recently traveled to perform with them in September. He will also play with them at the end of the semester for their holiday concert.
For the last 10 years, Goods has also been a part of a latin jazz group called the Latin Jazz Project.
“We call it ‘jazz Latin’ because it’s not true Latin jazz,” Goods said. “We’re jazz musicians, but we try to heavily emphasize Latin rhythms and we have a percussionist in our ensemble.”
Goods released his first solo album, “Another Level,” last summer, and recorded it on campus. The album includes nine original songs that showcase Goods’ trombone skills.
While performing is a big part of his life, Goods also enjoys teaching at URI.
“I really liked the freedom that you get teaching college, and I like the engagement of a collegiate student,” Goods said.
Previously to his current position at URI, Goods taught at Springfield College, Goodwin University, West Virginia University and Benedict College. This is his seventh year at URI.
While music is Goods’ passion, he does engage in some hobbies in his free time. He enjoys going camping, fishing and traveling.
Goods currently teaches Jazz Improvisation and Theory (MUS 124), History of Hip Hop in Black American Culture (MUS 208), Applied Music in Jazz (MUS 110W) and Jazz Studio Ensemble (MUS 396). He also directs the URI Concert Band, is the director of jazz studies and is a teacher of jazz trombone. He is also faculty in Africana studies.