Trombone

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Welcome to the trombone studio at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!

The trombone studio comprises undergraduate and graduate students. Weekly private lessons, weekly trombone class and trombone ensemble provide the basis of our collective interactions. Additional enrichment comes from frequent guest recitals and master classes by some of the world’s leading trombonists, including Joseph Alessi (New York Philharmonic), Ian Bousfield (London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic), Colorado native Craig Mulcahy (National Symphony), John Rojak (American Brass Quintet) and soloist-conductor-composer Christian Lindberg ... to name just a few.

The sheer beauty of Boulder and the college’s proximity to Denver—with easy access to its flourishing arts scene—complement a comprehensive college experience within a world-class academic institution.

Alumni

We’re proud of our trombone alumni, many of whom have continued their studies here at CU Boulder, or at institutions including CU Denver, Indiana University, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Penn State University, University of Illinois, University of Southern California and Yale University, among others. Our alumni have also gone on to succeed in prestigious competitions like the International Trombone Association Alto Trombone Competition, International Women’s Brass Conference, ITA Frank Smith Tenor Trombone Competition, Steven Zellmer Trombone Competition and many more. Additionally, trombone alumni have earned impressive appointments with the Great Falls Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, New Mexico Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Northern Colorado and U.S. Army Regional Bands, to name a few. Still other alumni have gone on to teach at Discovery Canyon Middle School in Colorado Springs, St. Paul American School in Shanghai, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Western Sierra Collegiate Academy and more. Check out our alumni class notes for more alumni accomplishments and follow our ongoing alumni highlights on Instagram.

Sterling Tanner

Sterling Tanner is an esteemed performer, educator and clinician currently serving as the assistant professor of trombone at the University of Colorado Boulder. As an S.E. Shires Performing Artist, Tanner has not only showcased his talents as a soloist across the United States but has also left an indelible mark internationally with notable performances in Hong Kong and Valencia, Spain. His global recognition is further enhanced by his regular performances with esteemed orchestras such as the Boulder Philharmonic, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony and Opera Colorado. He also performs with the prestigious Professors Trombone Choir each summer at the Southeast Trombone Symposium in Columbus, Georgia. Several prestigious accolades mark Tanner’s journey as an accomplished soloist. MORE