Jazz bassist Justin Grinnell earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz performance at SDSU, as well as studying for his Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies degree at USD. In 2005, he began serving as an adjunct music professor at Grossmont College (where his pianist wife Melonie teaches music), a position he's also held at USD as well as teaching part-time at Southwestern College (2008 through 2011).
Grinnell has played all over town as part of the Grossmont College music program, performing as an orchestra member at the Old Globe Theatre, the La Jolla Playhouse, and the San Diego Civic Theatre, among other area venues. He was also a member of the Danny Green Trio, which won a 2009 San Diego Music Award for Best Jazz Album for its debut release, and the ARC Trio.
His Justin Grinnell Quartet released its debut album Without You in December 2013, featuring six original compositions and three arrangements of songs by the Beatles, Duke Ellington, and Pink Floyd. It was nominated for a San Diego Music Award for Best Jazz Album.