The Luther College Trumpet Studio is one of the most vibrant and active centers for trumpet study in the country. Applied study in all areas and styles of music is available including classical, jazz & commercial, orchestral, chamber music, and early music. The studio also offers opportunities to perform in a variety of trumpet ensembles ranging from quartets to a 30+ piece trumpet choir. The studio tours, performs, and competes at local and national events such as the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the National Trumpet Competition, and the Iowa Bandmaster’s Association Convention. They have been featured in concert performances at many midwest high schools, colleges, churches, and community centers. Dr. John T. Cord, Associate Professor of Music and trumpet studio director would love to speak to you about auditioning for a music scholarship so you can join the Luther College Trumpet Studio, no matter what your anticipated academic major may be.
Whether you plan to pursue a career in music or simply want to continue enjoying the trumpet by taking private lessons or participating in one of our fantastic ensembles, the Luther College Trumpet Studio is the perfect fit for you! You’ll find the Luther Trumpet Studio to be a challenging yet supportive community of friends. The studio is comprised of students from all walks of life, a variety of academic interests and majors as well as top-notch musicians pursuing careers in music performance, education, composition, management etc.
As one of the most active trumpet studios in the country, we are always engaged in exciting new ventures. The studio has hosted a wide variety of guest professional trumpeters and trumpet teachers. We have commissioned new musical compositions for trumpet ensemble from current popular composers. We perform regularly both on and off campus. We regularly compete at national trumpet competitions and perform at international music conferences. We perform the National Anthem for college and professional sporting events and have had feature performances at several Iowa high schools and community centers. We go Trumpet Christmas caroling, hang out for studio movie night, and of course, consume massive amounts of pizza together. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, than you need to join our studio!
Here’s what a few of our current students have to say about their experience:
One of the great things about Luther is the ability to participate in the music program while not being a music major or even minor. I joined the trumpet studio primarily because of my music scholarship, but I have found that I really enjoy playing the instrument at a college level. My musicianship has increased drastically due to the work I have put into practicing, and I have gained valuable skills along the way.
Nicholas Rogness, ’24
Data Science, Computer Science & Nordic Studies
Being part of the Luther College trumpet studio has certainly been a highlight of my college career. Something I love about the trumpet studio is the way it brings such a diverse group of people together. Our group is composed of biology majors, cross country runners, swimmers, future music teachers, among many others that I may not have met without being part of this group. In fact, this is how I met two of my closest friends on campus. Additionally, there are so many different ways to get involved as a trumpeter at Luther College: jazz, jazz combo, orchestra, band, pep band, brass quintet, playing in the pit for a musical, etc. You get to decide! Finally, I have sincerely enjoyed my time working with Dr. Cord. He does a great job of helping us to feel supported while also pushing us to our fullest potential. I cannot wait to see what the next two years have in store for me.
Carly Witucki, ’24
Music Education
I am proud to be part of this trumpet studio. Playing with so many other talented trumpets is an experience I have never had and never knew I wanted to have. Not only are the people fun to play with, but they have become some of my best friends at Luther. Dr. Cord works really hard (and succeeds) to create a space that anyone can feel comfortable in – even non-music majors like me. I cannot begin to explain how much progress I have made as a trumpet player in the past year both because of the people around me and my lessons with Dr. Cord. This experience is definitely one of a kind.
Emma Gibson, ’24
English
Trumpet Organizations and Competitions:
International Trumpet Guild |  National Trumpet Competition
Equipment Needs:
Vincent Bach Trumpets |  Yamaha Trumpets | Schilke Trumpets |  TrumCor Mutes |  Denis Wick Mutes |  Wolf Pack Cases |  Reunion Blues Cases |  Dillon Music | The Horn Guys |  Sam Ash Music |  Woodwind and Brasswind |  Musician’s Friend |  Horn Trader
Sheet Music Needs:
Portland Sheet Music |  Hickman Music Editions |  Edmond Music |  Cimarron Music |  Free Music Scores |  Pender’s Music |  Southern Music |  International Music Score Library Project |  Triplo Press
The Luther College Trumpet Ensemble performs "Soundings" by Brian Balmages
The Luther College Trumpet Ensemble performs "The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me" by Brian Luckner
