Neal Berntsen joined the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University School of Music in 2003. He is currently Chair of the Brass Division. He is also on the faculty of Roosevelt University in Chicago and has served on the faculties of Duquesne University and Valparaiso University in Indiana.
In addition to teaching applied lessons and a class in Trumpet Literature and Repertoire, Mr. Berntsen also coordinates the Brass Chamber Music program at CMU.
Trumpet Study at Carnegie Mellon University
The trumpet faculty at Carnegie Mellon University consists of Neal Berntsen (Chair: Brass Division – trumpet. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) and George Vosburgh (former Principal Trumpet Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra). The number of trumpets students at the school is approximately 12-15 students (8-12 undergrads, 2-4 grads). Students are assigned a primary teacher – however, each student spends ample time with both Mr. Berntsen and Mr. Vosburgh. A typical students weekly schedule could include:
- 1 hour private lesson with Mr. Berntsen or Mr. Vosburgh
- Trumpet Literature and Repertoire, taught by Mr. Berntsen (with a dedicated professional piano accompanist weekly)
- Brass Literature, taught by Mr. Vosburgh
- 1 hour Brass Chamber Music coaching – (all Brass Chamber Music groups receive a weekly1 hour coaching by a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass section).
- Brass Pedagogy, taught by Mr. Vosburgh
Graduates in Trumpet Performance from Carnegie Mellon University hold positions in many musical organizations around the world including:
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Canadian National Opera
United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”
River City Brass Band
For more information on Trumpet Study at Carnegie Mellon University, please visit CMU’s Music Department site.