Brian Voelz - Trumpet Performer and Educator

Introduction: Music is an inherently positive line of work. Either I am performing and reaching people with my personal expression, or I am teaching others what I've learned, so they can share their passion and expression with others. I attended the Eastman School of Music for trumpet performance and the University of Rochester for biology, initially interested in medical school and later interested in dental school. I went back and forth between music and medical/dental school before deciding to focus on music, because I realized I found music to be most fulfilling. Skills such as creativity, focus and discipline that I continually improve throughout music, relate to all other aspects of life including academics, work, nutrition, and fitness. It is a lifelong pursuit of continually challenging myself and opening myself up to new opportunities to grow. I have always known that teaching would be a large part of my life because peer tutoring and teaching trumpet since high school have been so rewarding. I enjoy sharing the gift of music with others and motivating students to give the pursuit of music their best effort. After graduate school, I hope to play in an orchestra and teach at the conservatory and university level. My students can expect a teacher who is positive, flexible and invested in bringing happiness and fulfillment to their lives through music. I am happy to travel to students' homes, have students at my home in Williamsburg, Skype, or a combination of these options. Students will also have the opportunity to perform with me or in a trumpet ensemble. I've had the pleasure of working with students ages 8-75. Music is an interest that can start at anytime and be picked up again at any point in life. I think I can be particularly helpful to younger students preparing for college, whether they’re interested in a major in music or another field since I recently graduated from college in music and pre-med/pre-dental programs. While at the Eastman School of Music, I was a semi-finalist in the 2012 and 2013 National Trumpet Competition, was first trumpet in the Eastman Philharmonic and Eastman Wind Ensemble, made presentations on Baroque music at schools and retirement homes, and played in churches and schools in the Greater Rochester area. I also have experience playing in numerous musicals and other theater productions. In May, I performed the Arutunian Trumpet Concerto with my high school and conducted small sectional rehearsals. While at Needham High School, I was first trumpet at the Massachusetts All State Festival for two years, first trumpet in the National High School Honors Orchestra, and first trumpet in the New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. I have performed in venues such as Boston Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall and several churches, including the historic Old North Church in Boston, and many notable others. I am happy to be living in Williamsburg with the opportunity to teach and perform with my foundation of current knowledge, skills and experience.