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Jens Larsen Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Horn) - Tuesday60 Minute

Mr. Larsen holds a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance from Old Dominion University, studying with Dr. William Bartolotta, and a Master of Music in trumpet performance from Rice University, studying with Armando Ghitalla.

Mr. Larsen regularly performs with the New Haven Symphony, Waterbury Symphony, Ridgefield Symphony, Wallingford Symphony, Nutmeg Symphony, and Berkshire Jazz Orchestra.

Previous positions include Co-Principal Trumpet with the Greenville Symphony, and Principal Trumpet with the Symphony Orchestra of Augusta. He has also performed extensively in the Southeast with various other ensembles, including the Greenville Brass Quintet and the Newberry College Faculty Brass Quintet, and appeared with many orchestras including the Spartanburg Philharmonic, Carolina Pops, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, the DeKalb Symphony, the Cobb Symphony, Orchestra Atlanta, and the Virginia Symphony.

Mr. Larsen served as Instructor of Trumpet on the faculties of Newberry College and Converse College.

As an ensemble musician, Mr. Larsen has had the opportunity to share the stage with many popular and classical artists and groups such as Yo-Yo Ma, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Art Garfunkel, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Amy Grant, Bob Newhart, Boston Brass, Wycliffe Gordon and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as had the opportunity to perform in the pit orchestras of various Broadway productions on national tours, such as The Producers, Evita, The Drowsy Chaperone, Anything Goes, Annie, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, Young Frankenstein, 9 to 5, The Boyfriend, Legally Blond, Peter Pan, Dream Girls, Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot, Wicked, Matilda and Hairspray.

Teaching Philosophy

Each student arrives with a unique set of gifts and challenges. Mr. Larsen is committed to individualized instruction that is tailored to each student’s goals and learning style. Within that construct, there are several universal truths that Mr. Larsen instills in all of his students.

Without technique, one lacks the ability to express oneself musically. Mr. Larsen works with all of his students to develop a practice routine that will build their fundamental skill, empowering them to achieve greater musical expressivity.
The pillars of a great musician are tone, pitch accuracy, rhythmic integrity, and musicality or style. Without the first three, the last is virtually impossible.
The utilization of all resources is vitally important. These include ear training, theory, history, and knowledge of the repertoire as well as consistent and careful practice.
The most important qualities of a successful person are discipline, dedication, perseverance, commitment, collegiality, and integrity. It is Mr. Larsen's goal is to model and encourage these qualities with all of his students.
Regardless of whether a student is a beginner, music education major or a student seeking a performance career, the primary goal is the same: to become the most complete and competent musician possible.

The success and happiness of Mr. Larsen's students is very important to him, both musically and in life. It is important to remember that although there will be inevitable challenges, there is great satisfaction and enjoyment in overcoming them. Through a consistent student-centered approach, Mr. Larsen guides his students so they can find their own specific path and passions.