Jon Newton
Music Services from a "Seasoned" Professional
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Contact: jon @ jbnpdx.net |
Jon Newton graduated from Portland State University in 1977 with a BA in Music Composition.
Out of college, he toured the US with folk composer Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") playing bluegrass fiddle and arranging Mason's pieces for Pops orchestra performances.
In 1984, he started a music production business in Portland, Oregon. With partner Michael Bard, Newton formed Newton Bard Inc, a preeminent audio production facility in the area, in 1986. Over the next several years, Newton Bard produced numerous scores for feature films, television specials, commercials, and corporate video.
Newton Bard was an early adopter of advanced music technology, being one of the first studios in Oregon to utilize digital audio and MIDI sequencing in their commercial work.
In 1988, Newton became music director for Portland Civic Theater, and directed music for over 50 musical theater projects for several theater companies over the following years.
In 1994, Newton joined the staff at Will Vinton Studios, an internationally recognized film animation company, first as music director for films and commercials, then as concept development director for animation projects. During his tenure, Vinton Studios produced the network TV series The PJ's, starring Eddie Murphy, along with numerous national television commercials and specials.
Leaving Vinton Studios in 2001, Newton earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Pacific University in 2003.
In 2003, Newton joined the faculty at Portland State University, where he helped create the PSU Music Technology Lab and the music technology curriculum there. He currently teaches live and online courses in music production, music history, and film music.
Newton has built a career around music production, music preparation (notation), performing, teaching, and other pursuits (web design, authorship). Feel free to click on the tabs at the left to explore further!
Jon Newton has produced studio music since the early 1970's.
He's worked on albums, feature film scores, commercials, corporate video, and musical theater projects.
His early productions were done in classic "analogue" studios, using tape and vintage hardware effects.
In the 1980's, his Portland, Oregon production company, Newton Bard Inc, was an early adopter of the advanced music technology that revolutionized the production industry.
As his career transitioned to film and education, he has kept his skills honed with numerous productions utilizing today's modern tools.
If you would like to check out his current production company Studio D Productions, please follow this link--
http://jonnewton.com/studio-dee-productions/
Jon is an experienced violinist and bluegrass fiddle player.
An expert reader and improvisor, he is equally as comfortable on a classical concert stage as at a country jam.
Currently he is focused on his classical ensemble The Evergreen Trio and his easy-going Americana group The Oregon Wild West Trio
Jon is actively seeking other playing opportunities, especially performing for music theater productions.
In addition to violin/fiddle, Jon plays electric and acoustic guitar, electric bass, and mandolin.
Jon offers private and online study in music technology, music theory, and related subjects through Oregon Music Technology School. Please click over to that site for more info.
Or click here to access the OMTS info form for personal contact.
Working on his master degree at Pacific University in 2003, Jon began working with Internet technology and designing web pages.
Since then, during his primary work as an educator, he has designed complex sites, utilizing advanced tools and technologies including html, css, php, mysql, drupal, javascript, jquery, and Adobe Dreamweaver.
Sites he has designed and administered include Hillbridge Steel Pan Music.
This site makes use of php and javascript scripting, mysql data-basing, and incorporation with CCNow pay service.
Jon would love to help you with your site in any capacity. He gets the most fun out of teaching these skills and helping folks design and maintain their own online tools.