Information about Trumpet Study at NSU

Overview

Northeastern State University offers a unique experience for the collegiate trumpet student.  Formal and informal study is available on the "classical" trumpet, jazz trumpet, and early music instruments.

Majors in music at NSU are offered in performance, music education, jazz studies, music business, and music theatre.

Classical Trumpet

The primary goals of classical trumpet instruction at NSU can be summarized easily by the statements of two great trumpet teachers:

"Good playing is easy." - Vincent Cichowicz (Formerly with Chicago Symphony, Northwestern University)

"Think sound, not feeling." - Keith Johnson (page 27 of his book, "Brass Performance and Pedagogy")

The NSU trumpet studio stresses the importance of respiration, relaxation and ease of production.  Students are encouraged to take a "music first" approach, keeping the concept of a beautiful, vocal sound at the forefront of everything they play.

Jazz Studies

Northeastern State University boasts a very well-respected jazz program, led by Professor Arthur White, director of jazz studies.  The NSU Jazz Ensemble's latest CD, "Appointment in Milano," received critical acclaim and was selected as one of the ten best CD's by Jazz Education Journal.  Other groups receiving this prestigious award include the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band, the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra, and the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble.

The jazz facilities at NSU include the Jazz Lab, a more informal performance and rehearsal space located just off campus in the downtown area.  Since the Jazz Lab's construction in 1993, many of the world's leading trumpet players such as Wynton Marsalis, Joel Mott, Shunzo Ohno, Don Sickler, Scott Wendolt, Terell Stafford, Bobby Shew, Marvin Stamm, and Mike Steinel have performed as guest artists.

Early Music

Having completed a doctoral minor in early music at the University of North Texas, Professor Dovel has studied and performed on the Baroque trumpet and Renaissance cornetto.  Performance engagements have included ensembles such as the North Texas Baroque Orchestra, North Texas Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, Texas Baroque Trumpets, and the Bowling Green Guido's Band.  Students who are interested can incorporate early music study into their trumpet lessons.  For more information about early brass study at NSU, visit the NSU early brass studies page.