In a sea of amazing classical trumpet performance colleges, how can aspiring pro performers discern which school is best for their future?
What might a “day in the life” look like at their dream trumpet school?
At the right college, undergraduate and graduate students learn from the luminaries of the trumpet world—mentors who have not only mastered their craft but also possess a passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Small studio class sizes in these programs create a commitment to individual growth, ensuring that each musician’s unique talents are cultivated with precision and care.
At the right college, trumpet students will spend ample time on stage, honing their skills in front of live audiences with a plethora of performance opportunities.
An added benefit? Regular interactions with esteemed guest artists who bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to students.
As aspiring trumpeters consider their path, they may keep in mind that the best trumpet performance schools go beyond superb educational programming; they are oriented toward building a promising future for artists poised to join the professional world.
With all of that in mind, here are our picks for 10 of the best trumpet performance schools in the U.S.
This list is simply a starting point, not a ranking of all available programs.
While these are some of the very best schools and teachers in the country, there are others not included on this particular list that professional classical trumpeters would consider equally excellent.
New England Conservatory (Boston, MA)
The New England Conservatory (NEC) collegiate trumpet program offers students opportunities to study under accomplished faculty members, including members of the brass section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Performance experiences abound, from solo recitals to collaborative chamber music and orchestra concerts. The annual Brass Bash concert showcases both NEC/BSO faculty and students.
NEC’s Honors Ensemble program provides a platform for outstanding brass groups, encouraging them to audition to become part of this prestigious initiative, offering special mentoring and the opportunity for a Jordan Hall recital.
Trumpet player Steve Emery, a distinguished faculty member, brings a wealth of experience from his versatile playing career, including positions in orchestras like the Boston Symphony.
Emery’s expertise extends to various genres, and his teaching has made him one of the most sought-after trumpet instructors in the Boston area.
Juilliard School (New York, NY)
Not only does Juilliard’s trumpet program foster top-tier musicianship through classroom instruction, it also passionately embraces interdisciplinary collaborations across dance, drama, and other music areas.
Trumpet faculty member Raymond Mase, renowned for his tenure with the American Brass Quintet, has excelled as a soloist and pedagogue.
His contributions to contemporary brass music earned him the FONT (Festival of New Trumpet Music) award, and as the Brass Department Chair at Juilliard, he continues to shape the next generation of trumpet players.
Other faculty members at the school are also among the most noted trumpet players of our time, including Christopher Martin, principal of the New York Philharmonic, and Brandon Ridenour, formerly a member of the Canadian Brass.
Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)
The Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Department at Eastman prioritizes instilling the highest level of musicianship, emphasizing fundamentals, ensemble skills, and diverse trumpet performance opportunities.
One initiative distinguishing Eastman School of Music’s trumpet program from its collegiate peers is the Summer Trumpet Institute, an intensive five-day experience focusing on orchestra and military band auditions.
Co-hosted by Eastman faculty member Andrew McCandless – one of the world’s most talented brass players who was appointed the Principal Trumpet position of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1999 – the institute provides daily masterclasses, playing critiques, and discussions exclusively centered on audition preparation.
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL)
Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music boasts a close relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Offering comprehensive brass-specific instruction – including private lessons, studio classes, and chamber music – the trumpet program emphasizes both solo and group performance skills.
Ensemble participation is the heartbeat of a Northwestern trumpet degree. The school is home to more than 17 major ensembles, with placement determined by audition.
Many trumpet players gravitate to the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band, granting them the opportunity to travel across the country with a passionate group of trumpet performers.
Faculty member David Bilger – one of the greatest trumpet players in the world who held the Principal Trumpet position of the Philadelphia Orchestra for over 25 years – is on the trumpet faculty at Bienen. He also teaches at Curtis Institute of Music.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music (Houston, TX)
Trumpet faculty member Barbara Butler brings extensive experience to the program; she was the former co-principal trumpet of the Vancouver Symphony.
As a teacher, many of her former students have found work in major orchestras. In fact, the nearby Houston Symphony is home to students who previously studied with Barbara Butler, including trumpet player Richard Harris.
Speaking of the Houston Symphony, one of the big draws of Rice University is the school’s close relationship with the orchestra. Not only do many members of the Houston Symphony teach courses at Rice, the two organizations have collaborated on initiatives benefitting young musicians.
Rice is extraordinarily selective and one of the hardest university programs in the country for gaining admission.
University of Miami Frost School of Music (Coral Gables, FL)
Trumpet performance students at the Frost School of Music benefit from average studio class sizes of 15 people.
All students are required to perform in small and large ensembles and to experiment with musical styles that might be unfamiliar. Why? Developing a passion in a certain niche can lead to newfound career prospects for developing career performers.
A weekly “Peak Performance” class challenges students to hone their skills in performance preparation, emotional regulation, and other topics. Frost trumpet graduates appreciate the holistic approach to education, moving on to hold principal roles in orchestras around the world or stimulating freelance careers.
The Stamps Brass Quintet – composed of two trumpets, one horn, one trombone, and one tuba) provides the most talented trumpet students an opportunity to win a full four-year scholarship, room and board, and special opportunities to perform at local festivals and iconic venues.
At the helm of steering trumpet scholars to their exhilarating careers is solo trumpeter Craig Morris, who boasts a Grammy Award nomination for Best Classical Instrument Solo.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)
Private study at the University of Michigan goes beyond weekly appointments, with professors like Robert Sullivan serving as mentors committed to individual growth.
Sullivan, Principal Trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, has a career spanning tenures with the New York Philharmonic and The Cleveland Orchestra.
Trumpet students can hone their performance skills across various large and small ensembles. Ensemble opportunities include over half a dozen bands, brass quintets, pit orchestras, chamber groups, and numerous symphonies.
Like many of the university programs on this list, Michigan can be a great choice for students interested in pursuing just a music major, or both music and a second outside subject.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN)
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on five brass instruments, fostering a passionate and dedicated community.
With over 1,100 performances annually, trumpet students can participate in more than 24 ensembles, including the Marching Hundred and the Philharmonic Orchestra.
Faculty member John Rommel, who has been part of the Jacobs School since 1993, significantly impacts the program.
As former Principal Trumpet of the Louisville Orchestra, Rommel’s extensive experience includes performances across the United States and internationally. His chamber music expertise and solo performances, including with “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, showcase his versatility.
Rommel’s trumpet students, influenced by his teachings from renowned mentors, have secured positions in orchestras, military bands, and universities globally, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence and success.
The Colburn School (Los Angeles, CA)
The Colburn School’s trumpet program is characterized by vibrant community engagement opportunities, a unique in-house professional management program, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
The Colburn trumpet curriculum includes applied lessons, chamber ensembles, and orchestra participation. Students benefit from initiatives like the Amplify Series and Social Innovation Grants, fostering diversity and community engagement.
The program’s success is evident in the impressive number of alumni who have secured professional orchestra positions; in its brief history of matriculating nearly 400 orchestral graduates, more than 140 hold professional positions, and 75 of that cohort are in principal, associate, or assistant roles.
James Wilt – who has played with the Houston Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, among other groups – has been pivotal in establishing Colburn as a dominant force in the trumpet community.
Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH)
Unlike other schools on this list, which are classified as universities or conservatories, Oberlin fits into a third category called the liberal arts college.
Oberlin is a fantastic fit for students who want a smaller, more intimate learning environment where students can work closely with faculty, have a compact campus that is easy to navigate, and be treated with some of the best musical instruction in the world.
Faculty members at Oberlin include Roy Poper, the Associate Professor of Trumpet. I have personally sat in on a lesson with Roy Poper, and he is an excellent teacher with decades of experience.
Despite being a smaller school, Oberlin is robust with performance opportunities for both orchestra and chamber music ensembles.
All accepted students are awarded an automatic $10,000/year scholarship, with many students receiving additional merit scholarships.
