Saxophonist - Multi-Instrumentalist - Composer - Arranger - Educator
Who is Johnny?
Johnny Turner is a South Australian saxophonist, composer, and educator. A regular gigging musician, he performs across Adelaide’s jazz scene in a variety of small group, and large ensemble contexts. Alongside his work as a performer, he composes and arranges in many different styles of music, and is available for commissioned works. Johnny teaches private instrumental and improvisational lessons, directs two high school big bands, and co-organises the SPOC Music Program.
Quick Links
Sheet music
Explore a selection of sheet music and transcriptions available for digital download or postage.
Albums
Listen to Johnny's discography - starting off with his debut album that released in 2025!
Media
View a selection of videos, photos, and audio recordings of Johnny's musical endeavours!
Upcoming projects
Stay updated on Johnny's latest musical endeavours, including new compositions and performances.
Available Ensembles for Gigs
| Jazz Duo (e.g. sax and guitar, voice and piano etc) | Contact for pricing. |
| Jazz Trio (e.g. sax, guitar, and bass, or voice, piano, and bass) | Contact for pricing. |
| Jazz Quartet (e.g. sax, guitar, bass, and drums) | Contact for pricing. |
| Jazz Quintet (e.g. sax, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums) | Contact for pricing. |
| JT Quintet - Johnny's original music | Contact for pricing. |
| Larger Ensembles (7+ people) | Contact for pricing. |
| Big Band (17 people) | Contact for pricing. |
About Johnny
Johnny's journey began at an early age, where his parents exposed him to a wide variety of music - from classical and church music to '80s pop and Greek laïko. He was heavily involved in musical theatre and singing, and picked up the piano in year 3, and saxophone in year 6. During high school, he was shaped by a vibrant jazz program and mentors including John Morrison, Jacki Cooper, Adam Page, Tony Barnard, Maksym Grynchuk, Lazaro Numa, Mark Ferguson, Thomas Voss, Julien Wilson, and many more.
In 2025, Johnny released his debut album The Journey to Come, featuring seven original works recorded at the award-winning Wizard Tones studio. The album highlights his melodic writing, harmonic language, and improvisational style, serving as a snapshot of his musical voice at this point in his career.
Johnny’s compositional work spans big band, orchestral, and choral music. Most notably, one of his pieces was featured as the Division 4 set piece at Generations in Jazz 2024. His arranging and composition has also included works for Scotch College, the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, Artology, SPOC Music, the Medfield Animal Shelter (USA), and a film student at Harvard.
As a performer, Johnny plays saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, sings, and has experience with bassoon, trumpet, and pipe organ. He is an active presence in Adelaide’s jazz scene, performing regularly in small ensembles and larger groups - including recent performances with the University of Adelaide Big Band, the Jackson Mack Big Band, CST Big Band, Paul Komninos’ Orchestra, the Brazil Nut Orchestra, his own JT Quintet, and the Adelaide Connection Choir.
Johnny is also an emerging educator, directing a Division 4 big band at St Peter’s College, starting directing a big band at Endeavour College in 2026, and working as a private instrumental tutor to many students.
"In everything, there is the real deal and the rest. The passion in Johnny's music is the former: a sheer force, immediately palpable to anyone who listens."
Migiwa Miggy Miyajima - Musician, Composer, Band Leader
‘The sax solo in “Just the Way You Are” from another of the players in the four-piece brass line gave the audience a tantalising glimpse of the individual instrumental virtuosity within Greg’s backing ensemble.’
Mel Tickle - Music Coordinator, Adelaide Music Club
“It’s rare you get such a monster player at his age”
Max Grynchuk - Musician and Composer
"Johnny Turner is one of the most promising young voices in the Adelaide music scene today - he plays with the skill and maturity of a musician well beyond his years, and has an exciting future ahead of him!"
Thomas Voss - Musician and Composer