My Trumpet Origin Story

I’ve always had a deep love for music, inherited perhaps from my mother, a wonderful singer with a stunning alto voice. However, my own musical journey didn’t truly begin until I was in sixth grade, when I discovered the trumpet. It was a choice between the trumpet and saxophone, and I chose the trumpet, influenced by my mother’s affinity for its sound.

From the moment I held the trumpet, I felt an instant connection. It was as if I had found my true voice, a part of me that was longing to be expressed. This revelation was profound, even as a young student in the beginning band.

As I delved deeper into music, I found inspiration in the works of great musicians like Wynton Marsalis and Rolf Smedvig. Their music moved me in ways that were almost spiritual, and I aspired to achieve something similar. This drive saw me through various struggles in middle school and led me to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy.

At Interlochen, it appeared for a moment that my trumpet career was to end before it even began. A change in my embouchure during my junior year jeopardized my ability to play at a serious level. It was a dark period, filled with uncertainty, but I persevered and relearned how to play the trumpet.

By my senior year, I had not only recovered from what once seemed like a devastating blow to my career, but also experienced a series of personal triumphs.

First, I was introduced by Wynton Marsalis himself as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and performed solo at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. To my knowledge, I am the only trumpeter to ever be awarded this prestigious honor.

And I was fortunate to win the National Trumpet Competition at the junior level the same year, a tremendous honor within the trumpet community.

My journey took an academic turn as well, leading me to Columbia and Juilliard. Here, I balanced a history degree with my music education, a challenging yet rewarding experience. It was also during this time that I met my future wife, a chance encounter in a New York bar that felt almost fated. This meeting led me to Germany, where I received a Fulbright grant and studied under Reinhold Friedrich. The experience in Europe opened my eyes to a different level of musicianship and broadened my musical perspective.

Upon returning to the U.S., my focus shifted. I no longer sought to win competitions or acclaim. Instead, I wanted to rediscover the joy in music. This shift in mindset brought me closer to the Baroque trumpet, an instrument that spoke to me on a profound level. I dedicated myself to playing Baroque music authentically, emphasizing live performance over studio editing.

My journey with the Baroque trumpet was a journey of discovery, pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Performing pieces like the Brandenburg Concerto, which once seemed unattainable, became a testament to my growth and dedication. This period was not just about mastering an instrument; it was about fulfilling a deeper purpose, finding the true expression of my voice through the trumpet.