Trumpet at Arts Academy


Why Study Trumpet at Interlochen

Bold and brilliant, the trumpet commands the attention of listeners. Here, you'll develop the range to captivate audiences with both powerful fanfares and tender ballads. Explore a variety of musical genres and understand how your trumpet can open doors to an array of career outcomes.

What You'll Learn

Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding school for trumpet. More than anything, we want you to fulfill your potential. Our classes are designed to fit to your interests, whether that's classical or contemporary, as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.

Here, you'll hone your skills in a variety of styles and genres through private lessons and studio classes. Our exceptional instructors will teach you to problem solve and create a daily practice, so that learning doesn't start and end in the classroom. You'll have the time and space to work on your efficiency, sound, expression, musicality, and performance skills. You'll also find ways to recognize what you need to reach the next level, and break through your limitations.

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

Trumpet Faculty

Interlochen Arts Academy students have access to some of the world's leading arts educators. Learn more about our trumpet faculty or browse our directory. 

All Faculty

Instructor of Trumpet Ken Larson at Interlochen Arts Academy

Ken Larson

Instructor of Trumpet

Guest Artists

  • Hunter Eberly, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
  • Caleb Hudson, Canadian Brass
  • Roy Poper, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
  • James Thompson, University of Rochester
  • Walter White, jazz, big band leader
  • Ben Wright, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Trumpet students have multiple performance opportunities with our orchestra, wind symphony, jazz, and chamber music ensembles. We also showcase solo engagements for Interlochen Public Radio's In Studio A program and have had several National Public Ratio From the Top performances. Learn more in our Explore Ensemble section below.

Brass Repair and Design Class

We offer a one-of-a-kind brass instrument repair and design class. You will learn how to maintain and care for your trumpet, as well as why brass instruments are shaped the way they are.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Explore Ensembles

Chamber

Assembled at the faculty's discretion, chamber music ensembles are offered as electives in the Music division. Each ensemble is coached by one of the Arts Academy's acclaimed instrumental faculty.

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Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

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Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

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Jazz

The Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble boasts a storied history as one of the nation's most elite high school ensembles. Members develop as soloists and ensemble performers through rehearsals and performances of jazz standards and contemporary works.

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Jazz Combos

Interlochen Arts Academy's jazz combos are select groups of five to eight of the jazz program's most experienced improvisers. Members flex their skills as improvisers, while practicing collaboration and ensemble communication.

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A boy playing trumpet

I do not know where I would be as a musician if I had not come here. My time at Interlochen has tremendously impacted my life.

Shane, Music

Trumpet Mini-Lesson: Six Notes To Better Embouchure

Watch as Interlochen Arts Academy Instructor of Trumpet Ken Larson shows trumpeters a quick mini-lesson on improving embouchure.

Caleb Hudson

From Interlochen Arts Academy to Canadian Brass

Learn how trumpet alumnus Caleb Hudson went from recent high school graduate to Canadian Brass player.

Read Caleb's story

College Matriculation

Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

Arts Academy Viewbook Thumbnail

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more