Dylan Johnson directs the jazz combos at Cal Poly. He is also on faculty at Cuesta College (since 2008), where he teaches rock and world music appreciation. Johnson graduated with honors from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music (M.M. Jazz Studies) and Berklee College of Music (B.M. Jazz Composition/Performance).

As an in-demand bassist on the Central Coast, he has performed with Orchestra Novo, San Luis Symphony, Lompoc Pops Orchestra, and the San Luis Chamber Orchestra, as well as regular performances with Inga Swearingen and Charlie Shoemake. Johnson often accompanies touring jazz artists such as Ernie Watts, Pete Christlieb, Gary Foster, Bob Sheppard and others.

He returned to California after spending years in New York City, playing with jazz luminaries John Abercrombie, Adam Nussbaum, Shunzo Ono, Ray Vega, and others. Recent recordings include "Unity," featuring Randy Brecker and Ada Rovatti.