Profile: Jon Newton

Jon Newton, M.A.T.
Instructor, Music Technology

Office: XSB 275
Phone: 503.725.3110
Fax: 503.725.8215
E-mail: jnewton@pdx.edu

Jon Newton graduated from Portland State University in 1977 with a BA in Music, and received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Pacific University in 2003.

In the 1970's, Newton played bluegrass fiddle and arranged for folk composer Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") with whom he toured the American Midwest and Canada.

In the 1980's, Newton co-founded Newton Bard Inc, a preeminent audio production facility in the area. Over the next several years, Newton Bard produced numerous scores for feature films, television specials, commercials, and corporate video.

In 1988, Newton became music director for Portland Civic Theater, and directed music for over 50 musical theater projects for several companies over the following years.

In the 1990's, 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 Newton's tenure, Vinton Studios produced the network TV series The PJ's, starring Eddie Murphy, along with numerous national television commercials and specials.

In 2003, Newton joined the faculty at Portland State University, where he teaches music technology and theory courses at PSU. In addition, Newton supervises the PSU Music Technology Lab and serves on several local committees that address music education in the Portland Public School District.