Brass

The program in music performance serves to prepare musicians for a high level of playing in ensembles, chamber music, and solo performance. Applicants are chosen for this program who demonstrate superior ability on their instrument and who have the potential for academic achievement.

The instrumental area offers private instruction from many internationally known artists on our faculty, including members of the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO).

Students cover a large part of the repertoire and pedagogy of the instrument and gain knowledge of advanced material in the theory and musicology areas. There is ample opportunity to perform in ensembles, both large and small, and to perform as a soloist. The goal is to prepare each student to be a versatile and knowledgeable musician for the varied opportunities available in the professional music field today.

Brass Faculty

Trumpet

• Marissa Benedict

Horn

• Caroline Lemen
• Ellen Dinwiddie Smith

Trombone/Euphonium

• Thomas Ashworth
• John Tranter

Tuba

• Steven Campbell

Ensembles

Students studying brass instruments have a variety of ensembles to join: Trombone Choir, Trumpet Choir, Brass Ensemble, Concert Bands, Wind Ensemble Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combo, and Marching Band. Learn more about the U of M ensembles.  

Degrees 

• Minor
• BMus (performance, instrumental music education, music therapy)
• BA applied emphasis
• MM in performance
• DMA in performance
• Graduate minor or secondary area