Trumpet Studio

Historically the trumpet studio at Brandon University has seen a number of graduates move on to successful careers in the music industry. The Bachelor of Music (Music in Performance) is a four-year program to which students with highly developed performance skills are admitted by audition after the first year of university music study. Performance students concentrate not only on developing musicianship skills through applied lessons and ensembles, but also work to develop a greater overall knowledge of the pedagogy, history, and literature of their instrument. The Applied Major is intended for students preparing for careers as professional performers. The expectation of Music Education students in the trumpet studio at Brandon University is similar to the Performance students.

Brandon University offers a Master of Music degree in Performance and Literature for Trumpet. Our graduate program attracts several students from across Canada and the United States. The aim of the Master’s program is to prepare students for the rigors of a professional career in music performance through extensive work in playing technique and an in-depth study of literature and pedagogical materials. Master’s students can expect to work closely with their applied professor, not only through individual lessons, but also through practical learning experiences that help to build strengths in all areas of music performance and teaching. Teaching assistantships are available to help cover tuition costs and provide valuable work experience.

Numerous performance opportunities are available for the trumpet majors at Brandon University.  The Brandon University Brass Ensemble gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in individual lessons to an ensemble setting. In existence for more than 25 years, this ensemble rehearses and performs chamber music and larger works for brass ensemble. Consisting of music majors, minors, and community members, the ensemble presents a concert of contrasting works each semester and performs frequently throughout the community.

The Brandon University Trumpet Ensemble is comprised of the entire trumpet studio. This ensemble not only performs works written for multiple trumpets, but is also utilized to reinforce technique, ensemble playing, and musicianship. The BU trumpet ensemble meets once per week.