J.T. Holdbrooks is a professional bassoonist and educator based in the Birmingham, Alabama area. An active freelance musician throughout the Southeast, J.T. was recently appointed Second Bassoon of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. He has also performed with Professional Orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, and other regional orchestras. In addition to performing, J.T. maintains a private teaching studio and makes handmade bassoon reeds for students and professionals.

J.T. recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Bassoon Performance at the University of Georgia, where he studied with Dr. Amy Pollard and served as the Bassoon Studio Teaching Assistant. During his doctoral studies, he taught undergraduate bassoonists, coached chamber ensembles, and worked with music students while maintaining an active performing career.

Originally from Alabaster, Alabama, J.T.'s interest in classical music began during his time with the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. A formative experience came when he was selected to perform Vivaldi's Concerto in E minor with the ASYO, an opportunity that solidified his decision to pursue a career in music.

J.T. earned his Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Alabama, where he studied with Dr. Jennifer Mann, and his Masters of Music from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied with Dr. Yoshi Ishikawa. His performance experience has included orchestral, wind ensemble, opera, chamber, and contemporary repertoire. As an undergraduate, he was featured with the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble in a performance of Weber's Andante and Hungarian Rondo. In his second year of his DMA, he was a winner of UGA’s Concerto Competition and performed Marcel Bitsch’s Concertino with the Symphony Orchestra.

J.T.'s festival appearances include the Hot Springs Music Festival and the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. In 2023, he was awarded a fellowship to attend Sewanee and won the festival's Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition, performing Heitor Villa-Lobos's Ciranda das sete notas with the Festival Orchestra.

Chamber music has remained an important part of J.T.'s musical career. He has performed extensively in woodwind quintets and other chamber ensembles, including the Southern Winds Quintet at the University of Georgia and the Juniper Winds at the University of Colorado Boulder. He particularly enjoys the collaborative nature of chamber music and the artistic freedom that comes from working closely with a small group of musicians.

Alongside his performing career, J.T. is passionate about music education and helping young bassoonists develop strong fundamentals and confidence as musicians. He offers private instruction, audition and competition preparation, masterclasses, and handmade bassoon reeds.

Outside of music, J.T. enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma Kate, their daughter, Jane, and their two cats, Mae and June.