Dominick Farinacci

Dominick Farinacci ranks among his generation's most acclaimed trumpet players, educators and humanitarians. The former Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Jazz Studies student and Juilliard graduate has performed in more than 120 cities in 14 countries, with successful albums charting around the world.

Growing up in Solon, he started playing trumpet at age 11. Listening to classic recordings of great horn players sparked his passion for jazz. At 15, he enrolled in the Tri-C Saturday jazz program and was already gigging. By age 17, he was on the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland stage, opening for Wynton Marsalis, who invited him to a PBS appearance — and he was on his way.

Farinacci was one of 18 artists worldwide invited to the inaugural Jazz Studies program at The Juilliard School.

"Surrounded by some of the most gifted musicians in the world, I developed a relentless work ethic and realized growth happens when I get outside my comfort zone," he said.

His preparation at Tri-C helped him succeed in this demanding and innovative cohort. Also, thanks to his six formative years at Tri-C, the move to New York City to attend Juilliard was "seamless."

"The programs at Tri-C laid a strong musical foundation, helping me develop essential skills like technique, repertoire, disciplined practice habits and the ability to internalize the music of the artists I admired," he said. "I was constantly surrounded by students who were just as passionate as I was. We practiced, listened and played together, creating a lifestyle centered around music. The faculty, who were all wonderful musicians performing around town, were both teachers and mentors. I learned as much from hearing them live and sitting in on their gigs as I did in the classroom."

He encourages young musicians to look for those opportunities and experiences when they chart their own educational course.

"To me, going to school is about becoming a part of a community of peers who love what you love and finding a teacher you admire and aspire to be like. When access to knowledge comes together with a vibrant student community supported by wonderful teachers, that makes going to school worth it. I found that at Tri-C," he said.

Tri-C JazzFest was a big part of those formative experiences.

"I had direct access to some of the world's greatest musicians — the artists we studied in class were suddenly performing and mentoring us in person, which set a lifelong standard of excellence," he said. "On top of that, Tri-C provided real-world performance opportunities. These gigs taught me how to lead a band, communicate with presenters, organize logistics, and apply classroom lessons in real-world settings — experiences that proved critical to my growth as both a musician and a professional."

Farinacci continues to be recognized as he records, teaches and innovates. One of his most treasured accolades was the Cleveland Arts Prize.

"Receiving the prize was one of the most surreal and proudest moments of my life," he said. "I grew up admiring past recipients like Ernie Krivda, Toni Morrison and George Szell. The award always seemed out of reach — meant for legends. To now share this award with so many I admire is humbling and deeply meaningful." 

A personal project he created and cares about deeply is Modern Warrior LIVE, a music and storytelling production that features U.S. Army veteran (and Tri-C alum) Jaymes Poling. Poling's story, brought to life through a moving collaboration with a cast of renowned musicians led by Farinacci, traces the path from the battlefield to civilian life, highlighting the challenges of reintegration and the search for renewed purpose.

"Jaymes' story of trauma and healing, told through the power of storytelling and music, offers a path to hope," Farinacci said. "Together, we created a nonprofit around the touring production and have partnered with mental health organizations nationwide. It has grown into a national platform that uses story and music to inspire resilience, community and healing. It's one of the projects I'm most proud of."

As the director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, he brings these varied, rich experiences and collaborations while teaching tomorrow's musicians in the year-round pre-college program.

"I strive to carry forward the great values the program established when I was growing up. At the same time, I'm looking at today's music scene and implementing what will set our students up for artistic and financial success beyond school," he said. "Arts education does not prepare students to make a sustainable living in the arts. Our priority is to equally emphasize both artistic development and business knowledge, so when students leave us, they will have the skill set to make a great living in whatever it is they want to pursue."

Don’t miss Dominick Farinacci and his students on stage, along with a full line up of exciting jazz legends, during the 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank, June 26-28, 2025, at Playhouse Square.