
Dalton Mumphrey’s earliest memories are filled with the crackling sound of vinyl and the joy of family gatherings around his dad’s vintage stereo system. These moments ignited his lifelong passion for music, leading him to begin playing the flute at age ten and later study saxophone throughout high school and at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory under the guidance of Gilbert Castellanos. His musical journey took him from his hometown of Murrieta, California, to Los Angeles in 2020, where he continued to pursue his career and education.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Mumphrey is a versatile musician, composer, and educator renowned for his dynamic performances and innovative contributions to the music scene. He recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in Global Jazz Studies and Music Industry. During his time at UCLA, he has been mentored by notable figures such as Arturo O’Farrill, Mark Turner, and Terence Blanchard.
From 2021 to 2022, Mumphrey served as the ensemble leader of the UCLA Gluck Jazz Ensemble, where he composed and performed original music, enriching educational performances across various settings including libraries, local venues, and senior centers. The ensemble’s notable appearances included the UCLA Chancellor’s Residence Recital and Mr. Musichead, where they had the honor of opening for The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance.
Mumphrey's achievements extend beyond UCLA. In July 2023, he was a featured artist at The Mammoth Jazz Festival, captivating audiences with his original compositions and engaging covers. Among his notable accomplishments is co-bandleading the UCLA Berry Gordy Celebration, a tribute to the legendary founder of Motown Records, which attracted a star-studded audience including Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Debbie Allen, and industry leader Lucian Grainge. This event highlighted Mumphrey’s ability to honor Motown’s rich legacy while engaging influential figures in music and entertainment.
Mumphrey also had the distinct honor of performing with two-time Grammy Award winner Arturo O’Farrill at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and played at the grand opening of The Nimoy at The Hammer Museum in Westwood, CA, where his performance helped raise funds for the new venue. His dedication to supporting and celebrating the arts is evident in these impactful performances.
In August 2024, Mumphrey performed with Thee Sacred Souls at the prestigious Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, further solidifying his reputation for delivering captivating and memorable live performances across diverse musical genres. His extensive performance history includes prestigious venues and events such as the JustJazz Grammy After Party, The Skirball Cultural Center, and various UCLA locations (Schoenberg Hall, Lani Hall, Royce Hall, Fowler Museum, Faculty Center, Luskin Center, and Botanical Gardens), as well as The Mint.
Mumphrey has collaborated with esteemed artists including Clayton Cameron, Trevor Lawrence Jr., Cheryl Keyes, Azar Lawrence, Munyungo Jackson, Paul Cornish, and Devin Daniels. His current residencies at LULU Restaurant LA and Wolfsglen highlight his versatility across genres. When he is not performing or composing, he dedicates his time to teaching music to youth through Harmony Project, continuing his commitment to music education. He is currently preparing for the release of his debut EP, Introspection, and remains deeply engaged in writing new music.