Biography

Kent Hickey is an in-demand trumpet player and educator based in Indianapolis, IN.  He received his undergraduate degree in jazz studies from Butler University and his master’s degree at the esteemed Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the tutelage of John Raymond.  Locally, Kent has played alongside some of the scene’s best including Sean Imboden, Rob Dixon, Nick Tucker, Joel Tucker, and Kenny Phelps among others. The trumpeter currently leads two of his own projects, the Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective and the Kent Hickey Trio.  Previously, Kent worked as a trumpeter aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the Summers of 2018 and 2019.
 
The Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective is an Indianapolis-based jazz nonet that highlights composers and arrangers within the ensemble and shares a goal of sharing this music with the community.  The 9ollective released their debut album, “illuminate” in October of 2022.  The Kent Hickey Trio performs Kent’s original compositions and lesser-known jazz standards.  The group draws inspiration from groups led by Avishai Cohen, Mike Rodriguez, John Swana, and Tim Hagans.  Kent’s groups have performed at venues like the Chatterbox, Merriman’s Playhouse, Blockhouse Bar, Fulton Street Collective (Chicago), Blu Jazz+ (Akron), and the world-famous Jazz Kitchen.
 
In addition to performing, Kent is also a passionate educator who strives to share his love of music with the next generation.  He maintains a private studio of about 30 trumpet students at various schools in the Indianapolis area and is also the outreach liaison for the Butler Youth Jazz Program, a branch of the Butler Community Arts School.  Kent is also Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet at both Butler University and the University of Indianapolis where he teaches applied lessons and jazz combo.