Dr. Alex Wilson has led the GVSU Trumpet Studio since 2015.  He holds a Bachelor's degree from GVSU and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Arizona State University, where he studied with Professor David Hickman.  Alex has performed with the Phoenix Symphony and the Arizona Opera, and currently plays the occasional concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Holland Symphony Orchestra, and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.

A versatile soloist, Alex has published two solo CDs ("Volante" in 2022 and "Volti Subito" in 2016), performed at the 2013 International Trumpet Guild conference in Grand Rapids, and toured as a soloist for the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra during two national tours, at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.  He often appears as a guest soloist or clinician at local schools, and has also given performances and masterclasses internationally at venues such as the Tainan University of Technology in Taiwan, and the I Alcalá Trumpetfest in Spain.

A week in the life of a GVSU trumpet student includes:

• A one-on-one trumpet lesson, focused on the fundamental skills of trumpet playing, preparing solo repertoire, and sight-reading duets.
• Studio class with the entire studio.  Activities include performance (solos, etudes, chorales, and orchestral excerpts), arranging music, rehearsing for the studio recital, and short lectures on topics ranging from trumpet pedagogy, to gig etiquette, to basic repair and maintenance of the trumpet.
• Trumpet ensembles meet twice a week, once to rehearse and once for a coaching.  They perform on recitals and apply to the National Trumpet Competition.
• Rehearsals with one or more of GVSU's large ensembles, like the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, New Music Ensemble, or Early Music Ensemble.

Auditions

Trumpet auditions include two contrasting solos, movements, or etudes or your choice, as well as major and minor scales, and sight-reading.  Audition dates and music application form can be found at:

https://www.gvsu.edu/mtd/music-audition-information-13.htm

Contact Us

Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Wilson at [email protected] to schedule a free lesson.  Please feel free to also ask any questions you may have about our trumpet studio, audition process, or music school!

Upcoming Events

Brass Day - February 2, 2025

Congratulations to Andy Lasceski and Donny Ford for advancing to the final round of the West Michigan Symphony 3rd Trumpet audition in November 2024!

Congratulations to Alec Bossa on winning the 2024 GVSU Concerto Competition, and Donny Ford for earning an Honorable Mention!

Congratulations to Morgan Hare on advancing to the live semifinal round of the International Trumpet Guild's 2024 Solo Competition!  We'll be rooting for you this summer!

Congratulations to Andy Lackeski and Donny Ford on their acceptance to The Domaine Forget International Music Festival for summer 2024!

What are our Alumni up to?

Willis Dotson - trumpeter with the US Army Regional Bands

Shawn Nichols - accepted to Master's program at Michigan State University

Mason England - Director of bands at Manor Middle School (Texas)

Denton Grant - Band director at Ionia Public Schools

Kenzie Hauke - Music teacher at Cannonsburg Elementary School

Skye Hayes - Music teacher at Cedar Crest Elementary

Brenden Hoekstra - Band director at Allegan Middle and High Schools

Nina Morales - Music teacher at Northwest Elementary School

Erin Ray - Assistant band director at Shelby Middle and High Schools

Recent Student Publications

Andy Lasckeski - arrangement of "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 for trumpet quintet

Liam Madell - arrangement of Jeremy Soule's "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Opening Theme" for trumpet quintet

Liam Madell - arrangement of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" for trumpet octet