Trumpet
The CUǸԹ 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 հܳRyan Gardner, the CU ǸԹtrumpet 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 ǸԹ.
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.
Ryan Gardner is Professor of Trumpet at the ǸԹ.Originally from Santa Monica, California, Gardner 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 Vincent Penzarella, former second trumpet player of the New York Philharmonic. 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
Michael Dobrinski joined the trumpet faculty at the ǸԹ 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
Chair, Brass + Percussion
Professor of Trumpet
ryan.gardner-1@colorado.edu