Welcome to the trumpet studio at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!
The CU Boulder 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 Trumpet Ryan Gardner, the CU Boulder trumpet 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 Competition 12 times over the last nine 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 class and individual lessons.
The studio is also fortunate to have direct access to Justin Bartels, principal trumpet of the Colorado Symphony and instructor of trumpet at the University of Colorado Boulder.
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 sectionals and give extra help with lesson materials, which allows them the opportunity to grow as pedagogues. All TAs play in major ensembles without exception.
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
Justin Bartels
Lecturer of Trumpet Justin Bartels has been on faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder since 2012 and is Principal Trumpet with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2008. Over the past several years, his students have gone on to high-level graduate programs at several schools, including Indiana University, Temple University, the University of North Texas and Arizona State University. Student accomplishments include military bands appointments with the United States Marine Band, United States Navy and Air Force Academy. Students hold positions with professional symphony orchestras and numerous positions in higher education. MORE