Trumpet

Welcome to the trumpet studio at the 91Թ College of Music!

The CUBoulder trumpet studio is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to achieving the highest standards of musical performance and pedagogy through the development of extraordinary technique and musicality. Under the direction of Professor of TrumpetRyan Gardner, the 91Թtrumpet studio believes dedicating themselves to these concepts will prepare trumpeters to be successful in entering any career in the musical world.Highlights of Gardner’s teaching include students winning the National Trumpet Competition16 times over the lasteleven years, winning every classical division in the International Trumpet Guild Competitions, winning both brass divisions in the Music Teachers National Association solo competitions, achieving success in the Fischoff Chamber competition, and earning performing jobs in military bands and symphony orchestras, collegiate teaching positions, Fulbrights and secondary high school positions.

The trumpet studio provides a supportive yet challenging environment designed to help students maximize their potential.Reaching the highest level of musicianship is achieved through mutual effort of the teacher and student, which is why the studio remains active and vigilant to ensure success.Weekly studio activities include warm-up classes, studio class, chamber ensemble coachings, trumpet orchestral excerpts classand individual lessons.

The studio is also fortunate to have direct access toMichael Dobrinski, who performs regularly with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, and instructor of trumpet at the 91Թ.

There are three Graduate Teaching Assistantships designated for the trumpet studio.Two perform in the award-winning Graduate Brass Quintet and the other serves as a studio assistant.Teaching assistants will help teach non-major trumpet students, hold office hours, provide sectionalsand give extra help with lesson materials, which allows them the opportunity to grow as pedagogues.All TAs play in major ensembles without exception.

Academic programs

There are three music major degree programs available to undergraduate trumpet students at the 91Թ, designed to accommodate the needs of all types of potential music majors:

  • Bachelor of Music in performance (BM) is a highly intensive approach to performance with the goal of attaining an advanced degree or to be gainfully employed as a performer and/or teacher at the college level.
  • Bachelor of MusicEducation (BME) is a program with a strong emphasis on performance, as proficiency on your instrument is a key element for teaching others how to perform.This program also explores music education and pedagogy in great depth with the goal to be gainfully employed as a secondary educator.
  • Bachelor of Arts in music (BA) is a program with less intense musical rigor than the BM degree, but can be tailored to a students individual needs and interest. This program is well-suited to students also interested in other academic or musical pursuits.Please note that there may be a strong emphasis on lessons, performanceand ensemble participation if desired.

There are also four degrees offered at the graduate level at the 91Թ.

  • Master of Music in trumpet performance (MM) is a highly intensive approach to performance with the goal of attaining an advanced degree or to be gainfully employed as a performer and/or teacher at the college level.
  • Master of Music in trumpet performance and pedagogy (MM) is almost identical to the MM in performance with the exception of different course requirements. This degree is for those interested in anintense approach to performance as well as a pedagogical background to offer a broader range of career options.
  • The 91Թ College of Music also offers Artist Diploma programs in orchestral performance, chamber music and solo instrumental performance for exceptionally gifted pre-professionals.
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in trumpet performance and pedagogy (DMA) is the highest degree offered at the 91Թ College of Music.DMA students develop highly individualized curricula in the pursuit of their personal career goals.

All students participate inensembles, which include the CU Symphony Orchestra, CU Philharmonia Orchestra, 91Թ Chamber Orchestra, 91Թ Wind Symphony, 91Թ Symphonic Band, 91Թ Opera Orchestra, 91Թ SoundWorks (a new music series),91Թ Early Music Ensemble andchamber music.

During their time at 91Թ, graduate and exceptional undergraduate students are encouraged to work in the many professional ensembles available in our region. Trumpet students perform regularly as full-time or extra members with ensembles including the Boulder Philharmonic, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Colorado Ballet, Cheyenne Symphonyand the Fort Collins Symphony.

The trumpet studio greatly benefits from ourcollaborative pianoprogram. Under the direction of Margaret McDonald and Alexandra Nguyen, trumpet majors have the opportunity to develop collaborative skills by performing solo repertoire with collaborative piano majors.These partnerships are coached by both faculty members and are provided with performance opportunities.

Additional enrichment comes from frequent guest recitals and master classes by some of the world’s leading trumpeters: Marie Speziale, Tom Hooten, Karin Bliznik, Tom Cupplesand Michael Sachs, to name just a few. Students are also encouraged to explore the many resources at our College of Music including theEntrepreneurship Center for Music, theMusicians’ Wellness Programand ourMusic Technology Program. We offera fully comprehensive music program within a world-class academic institution.Students are inspired by the sheer beauty of Boulder and—with its proximity to Denver’s flourishing arts scene—it’s an ideal place to study.

Discover the accomplishments of our students and alumni:

Robert Bonner—United States “President’s Own” Marine Band
Brianne Borden—Assistant Professor of Trumpet, SUNY Potsdam
Michael Brotherton—Principal Trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra, Sabbatical Replacement, Furman University
Karen Buri—ArtistYear Teaching Fellow
Carrie Blosser—United States Navy Great Lakes
Sean Butterfield—Clinical Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Music Theory, University of Idaho
Chris Boulais—Third trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra
William Brown—Principal Trumpet, Boulder Symphony Orchestra, Second Trumpet, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
Harmon Dobson—United States Army Bands
Julia Gill—U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
Ben Golden—Director, Shadow Ridge Middle School
Aaron Jensen—Assistant Professor of Trumpet, UT Rio Grande Valley
Anna Kallinikos—Third Trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra
Matthew Koveal—Manager of Artistic Operations, The Philadelphia Pops Orchestra
William Landon—Substitute, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Luebke-Brown—Lecturer of Trumpet, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Derek McDonald—Principal Trumpet Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet Boulder Chamber Orchestra,Second Trumpet Colorado Ballet
Ian Mertes—Fourth Trumpet, Atlanta Symphony
Maximillian McNutt—Principal Trumpet, Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra,Assistant Professor, Ohio University
Noah Mennenga—United States Army “Pershing’s Own” Ceremonial Band
Brandon Norton—Trumpet, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and Faculty at Tennessee Tech University
Rebecca Ortiz—Third Trumpet, Boulder Philharmonic
Isaac Ponce—Principal Trumpet, Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra
William Reynolds—Second Trumpet, Boulder Symphony Orchestra
Coleman Scott—Assistant Professor, Washburn University
Madison Sinan—Third trumpet, Greeley Philharmonic, Shires Rising Artist
Ryan Spencer—United States Air Force Academy Band;Fourth Trumpet, Colorado Springs Philharmonic
Dartagnan Stephen—Associate Member, Chicago Civic Orchestra
Sarah Stoneback—Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Montana State University
Jacob West—ArtistYear Teaching Fellow;Development Coordinator, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies
Baylee Womack—Second Trumpet, Opera of the Ozarks

Several noted guest artists have visited the 91Թ trumpet studio:

Jason Bergman—Professor of Trumpet, Indiana University
David Bilger—Professor of Trumpet, Northwestern University, Principal Trumpet, Philadelphia Orchestra (ret.)
Robert Bonner—United States “President’s Own”Marine Band
Andre Bonnici—Trompettes de Lyon
Karin Bliznik—Principal Trumpet,Saint Louis Symphony
Tom Booth—Assistant Principal and 4thTrumpet, Dallas Symphony (ret.)
Chris Bubolz—New York Freelance Musician
David Collins—Professor of Trumpet, Royal Irish Academy of Music
Tom Cupples—Second Trumpet, National Symphony Orchestra
Vince DiMartino—Soloist, Centre College (ret.)
Justin Emerich—Michigan State University, Former Acting Associate Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Symphony
Ashley Hall—International Soloist, Canadian Brass (ret.)
Phil Hembree—University of Northern Colorado and 2nd/Assistant Principal Trumpet,Colorado Symphony
Thomas Hooten—Principal Trumpet, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Billy Hunter—Principal Trumpet, Metropolitan Opera
Mark Inouye—Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Symphony
Julian Kaplan—Principal Trumpet, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra
Jeff Korak—Second Trumpet, Columbus Symphony
Andy Kozar—Professor of Trumpet, Longy School of Music
Carl Lindquist—United State Navy Band
Adam Luftman—Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Opera
Paul Merkelo—Principal Trumpet, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Moore—Professor of Trumpet, Florida State University
Craig Morris—University of Miami, Former Principal Trumpet Chicago Symphony
Rex Richardson—Virginia Commonwealth University and International Trumpet Soloist
Dan Rosenboom—Studio Musician
Wiff Rudd—Baylor University
Michael Sachs—Principal Trumpet,Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music
Leslie Scarpino—Principal Trumpet, Opera Colorado, Boulder Philharmonic, Central City Opera
Marie Speziale—Professor Emerita Rice University, Former Associate Principal Trumpet,Cincinnati Symphony
William Stowman—Trumpet Professor at Messiah Bible College
Micah Wilkinson—Principal Trumpet, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Campus visits

Prospective students are invited to visit the Boulder campus at any time during the academic year. Studio class is held on Mondays and is open to any trumpeter thinking of auditioning. Students are also welcome to observe current student lessons and to meet with members of the studio if given advanced notice. Please feel free to email Ryan Gardner to coordinate your visit.

Audition info

Graduate auditions will include a pre-screening, a formal auditionand in some cases a short interview.Undergraduate auditions are in-person and typically scheduled in the morning.

Colorado trumpeters

Thank you for your interest in the 91Թ,the flagship school in ourstate. As a trumpet player in Colorado, I hope you will take full advantage of the incredible opportunities available to you!

Colorado trumpet players, if you are interested in a lesson, please reach outearlyand we’ll get you scheduled! I also invite you to attend our weekly studio classes a few times a year. These always are scheduled on Mondays. Additionally, all of our incredible faculty and student performances (recitals, chamber musicand large ensemble) are free and often livestreamed.

All trumpeters

It’s to your benefit to start your college search early—don’t hesitate to reach out to Ryan Gardner and our trumpet studio to learn about the 91Թ College of Music.

ryan gardner

Ryan Gardner

Associate Professor of Trumpet Ryan Gardner is originally from Santa Monica, California.He earned a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music with highest distinction, a Master of Music from Rice University—Shepherd School of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, he worked with former principal trumpeter of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Mark Gould, and the former second trumpet player of the New York Philharmonic, Vincent Penzarella. Gardner’s thesis is based on Penzarella’s pedagogical techniques and philosophies, which include innovative ideas on breathing, air usage and brass playing, as well as performance psychology. MORE

MichaelDobrinski

Michael Dobrinski joined the trumpet faculty at the 91Թ in 2024, and is currently the chair of brass and percussion at the New England Conservatory of Music. He also spends his summers on the faculty of the Brevard Music Center. Dobrinski performs regularly with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops—at Tanglewood, Carnegie Hall and on the 2015 European tour. He also appears on Boston Symphony recordings of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 and Symphony No. 12, John Williams’ Violin Concerto and Richard Strauss’ “An Alpine Symphony.” MORE

Contact

Ryan Gardner
Professor of Trumpet
ryan.gardner-1@colorado.edu
303-492-8649
, S204

Upcoming brass + percussion events