Digital Residences at Arkansas State

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Arkansas State University (ASU) Trumpet Studio, like many others around the country, had to follow state guidelines and adopt the virtual format for studio class. ASU decided to take this setback and use it to our advantage to create “A-State Trumpet Talk”, a masterclass series open to the public which hosted a plethora of all things trumpet from around the world.

Between September 27, 2020 and April 29, 2021, Dr. Nairam Simoes and Graduate Teaching Assistant Tyler Helms were able to schedule a masterclass for every week of school, and sometimes offer multiple classes in the same week. These classes included instruction on pedagogy, performance, freelancing, life coaching, brass manufacturing, and many of the various careers trumpet players pursue.  

These classes included appearances from Matthew Anklan, Scott Belck, Ayrton Benck, Jason Bergman, Eric Berlin, Karin Bliznik, George Carpten, Cynthia Carrell, Stanley Curtis, Buddy Deshler, Vince Dimartino, Jason Dovel, Ryan Gardner, Scott Hagarty, Ashley Hall, Erik Horne, Aaron Jensen, Daniel Kelly, Maico Lopes, John Marchiando, Kyle Millsap, Scott Moore, Adam Rapa, Mike Sachs, Raquel Samayoa, Charles Schlueter, Alan Seibert, Peyden Shelton, Eric Siereveld, Chris Smith, David Spencer, Marie Speziale, T.J. Tesh, Ozwaldo Zapata, Drew Ziemba, and organizations such as: S.E. Shires, Brass Out Loud, The United States Army Band Pershing’s Own, and Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets

Two nuggets of wisdom that stood out from the year include:

“You can only be who you are and where you are today. Authenticity is WAY more important than perfection.” -Karin Bliznik 

“Our best successes happen when we are not worried about succeeding”- Vince DiMartino 

This lineup of professionals attracted dozens of audience members from Brazil, Tarleton State University, Michigan State, UC San Diego, Sam Houston State University, and many others. The A-State Trumpet Studio is forever grateful to each of these outstanding guest artists for their time and incredible instruction. When the ability to collaborate in person was limited, this program allowed the ability to learn from the world’s best and brightest in our field. Some of the many highlights included an inspiring message of resiliency from Ashley Hall, using a fundamental approach to excerpt preparation from Michael Sachs, and the many coachings from the best teachers around the world. (Source: Nairam Simoes) 

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