Zachary Finnegan is a Chicago-based trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music blends the traditions of jazz with the breadth of classical and cinematic influences. Renowned for his “golden tone and excellent technical command” (All About Jazz), Finnegan has rapidly established himself as a versatile voice on today’s global stage, equally at home in the intimacy of a jazz club, the expanse of a concert hall, or the energy of a stadium arena.
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Born in Mason City, Iowa and growing up in Manitowoc & Weston, Wisconsin, Finnegan immersed himself in music under the mentorship of his father, a band director and worship leader. This early environment nurtured both his technical foundation and his deep passion for music as a form of spiritual and artistic expression. Encouraged by his father, he auditioned for and earned a place in the Wisconsin State Honors ensembles each of the three years he was eligible in high school; performing with the State Honors Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. These groups showcased the top student musicians in the state and performed annually at the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) convention, giving Finnegan formative experience at a young age performing in professional-level settings.
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In 2012, as a high school student, Finnegan toured with the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music, performing across seven countries in just sixteen days. He returned to the program in 2018 as a section leader, faculty member, and featured soloist with both the band and choir, making him the youngest faculty member and featured soloist in the organization’s history. These experiences offered him an early taste of international touring and deepened his understanding of music’s power to connect cultures and audiences across the globe.
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His dedication to the craft was further shaped at the Brevard Jazz Institute, where he first attended as a student and later returned twice as a resident assistant. The rigorous training and immersive environment instilled in him the discipline and work ethic required to pursue his artistic dreams.
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Finnegan went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Jazz Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, studying with Mathew Buchman, Brent Turney, Dave Story, and Patrick Lawrence. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at Indiana University, working closely with John Raymond, Brent Wallarab, Walter Smith III, Greg Ward II, Pat Harbison, and Joey Tartell. These formative years grounded him in both classical and contemporary traditions, shaping his unique artistic voice.
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His career reached new heights in 2022 when he joined five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé’s band. Since then, he has toured the globe extensively, performing on five continents & in some of the world’s most iconic venues and festivals, including Madison Square Garden, the Staples Center, London’s O2 Arena, the Metropolitan Opera House, São Paulo’s Allianz Parque, and Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. These experiences have solidified his reputation as an adaptable and in-demand performer across genres and borders.
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Beyond his work with Bublé, Finnegan has collaborated with a wide spectrum of artists. His trumpet has been featured with electro-funk innovators KNOWER (Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi), hip-hop/jazz-fusion collective Clint Breeze & The Groove, Latin singer-songwriter Rosalba Valdez, Broadway stars Sean Allan Krill & Jared Bradshaw, and crooners Hayden Grove and Sal Valentinetti. He has also worked extensively with musicians including Camila Mennitte, Meghan Stagl, Jared Thompson, Carrington Clinton, Eric Brink, Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, Bill O'Connell Big Band, and Luke Sagadin. His ability to move seamlessly between jazz, funk, hip-hop, orchestral, and popular music continues to attract collaborators and audiences worldwide.
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As a leader, Finnegan released his acclaimed debut album that highlights his vision as a composer and bandleader. Guidance & Gratitude (Shifting Paradigm Records, 2024), earned international praise for its lyrical trumpet playing and cinematic writing. Produced by Greg Ward and recorded at Electrical Audio, the album features his jazz sextet alongside a string quartet, weaving together rich harmonic textures and contemporary grooves. Critics have lauded his work for its depth and maturity, with the International Trumpet Guild noting that “his compositions have a depth and maturity that hold the listener’s attention, and his improvisations are mature and engaging.” Earlier projects, including Intertwined with the Crossroads Quintet and live recordings with the Omnos Quartet, further showcase his range as both performer and composer.
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Finnegan’s ensembles have appeared at leading jazz clubs across the country, including Chicago’s Green Mill and Andy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis), Café Coda (Madison), and Mr. Tipple’s (San Francisco). His festival performances include headlining the Bull Falls Jazz Festival and the Taste of Bloomington, as well as multiple appearances at the Riverfront Jazz Festival, first in 2017, opening for jazz legend Dave Liebman, and returning in 2024 as a featured artist. He has also appeared as a sideman at the Indy Jazz Fest, Eau Claire Jazz Festival, and numerous others.
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A dedicated educator as well as performer, Finnegan has established himself as a passionate mentor for the next generation of musicians. He teaches at PCCCArts in Chicago and has worked with organizations such as Jazz Empowers and Band for Today to bring music education to students nationwide. In addition, he maintains a private trumpet studio and has received commissions for new works from high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, with four premieres to date. His teaching extends through guest artist residencies at schools and universities across the country, where he works with students of all ages, from middle school beginners discovering jazz for the first time to advanced collegiate musicians preparing for professional careers. Whether through residencies, commissions, or one-on-one instruction, Finnegan’s commitment to education reflects his belief in the transformative power of music and his desire to inspire and equip young artists to pursue their own musical journeys.
 
With his international touring career alongside Michael Bublé, his critically acclaimed recording, and a growing reputation as both a collaborator and bandleader, Zachary Finnegan stands as a rising voice in modern jazz, an artist whose work resonates across genres, traditions, and audiences worldwide.