He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his Masters of Music Education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. His Bachelor of Music Education and Trumpet Performance is from Ithaca College. While at the University of Colorado, Dr. Isbell was a Graduate Part Time Instructor and the Director of Jazz Studies at the Boulder Arts Academy. Prior to teaching in Boulder, he was the Director of Bands in the Steamboat Springs (CO) School District where he conducted the district concert bands, jazz bands, and world-famous Ski Band. Dr. Isbell’s professional teaching career began as the Director of Bands with the Otselic (NY) School District.