Jon Christian was born in Sacramento, California. He graduated from C. K. McClatchy High School. After attending Sacramento City College he transferred to San Jose State University where he received his B. A. and teaching credential in 1966. Following three years in the U. S. Army, playing trombone in both the United States and in Germany, he was hired by the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District as a music instructor in July, 1969. He was the band director at the high school continuously for his entire career. He taught at elementary and junior high levels also. June 16, 2000, after thirty-one years of service to the district, he retired from teaching.

His musical inspiration came as a result of attending a variety/talent show at California Junior High when he was in seventh grade. Three junior high boys performed "Lassus Trombone" on trombones of course. With the encouragement of Bud Harpham, his junior high band teacher, he studied trombone privately with Stan Smith, bass trombonist with the Sacramento Philharmonic.

While in high school, he never played in the band. Instead, he played in the Symphony Orchestra for three years. In addition, McClatchy High School had a group called "The Melodiers". This is the 1950's version of a jazz band. Outside of school he played in the youth symphony and was a member of a band that played for dances.

Five years were spent at San Jose State. While there, he was a member of the Spartan Marching Band for five years, three as section leader. He also sang in the a capella choir and played in the Symphonic Band. In his senior year, he was a featured soloist with the Symphonic Band, performing Wilson Coker's "Concerto for Trombone with F Attachment".

During his teaching career he was active in professional music education organizations and is a Past President of Central Coast Section of CMEA: The California Association for Music Education. As a retirement service to the CCS he is managing the membership data base and creates printed programs, forms, and certificates as well.

He plays trombone in the Cabrillo College Symphonic Band and sackbut with the Antiquarian Funks. He is a charter member of the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival board of directors. In addition he adjudicates, teaches privately, and is available for consulting. During the summer, he is a guest performer with the Ashland City Band in Ashland, Oregon.

Jon and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 37 years and have two children, Brent and Amy.

Other interests include digital photography, watching track and field, mystery novels, the 49ers, SF Giants and computer projects.