Brad White’s professional studies as a musician began at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he would earn his Bachelors of Music, and NY certification for K-12 public education. After receiving his certification in 2014, Brad decided to move west to Ashland, OR, where he would complete his Masters in Music Performance (trumpet performance) at Southern Oregon University. Since living on the west coast, Brad has remained an active performer, playing everything from formal performances, to local acts. Brad’s performance opportunities have ranged from playing in the pit for the 2015 production of Guys and Dolls at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, to performing with a polka band at the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest. Brad’s present focus is on the art of improvisation and jazz, although his interests span well beyond one musical genre. His upbringing was mostly in classical trumpet, but he’s also passionate about topics like music history, theory, and world music. Brad is brand new to Eugene, OR, and currently continuing his work as a music educator and performer.
Background, professional training and performance history
Brad White’s professional studies as a musician began at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he earned his Bachelors of Music, and NY certification for K-12 public education. After receiving his certification in 2014, Brad decided to move west to Ashland, OR, where he completed his Masters in Music Performance (trumpet performance) at Southern Oregon University.
Since living on the west coast, Brad has remained an active performer, playing everything from formal performances, to local acts. Brad’s performance opportunities have ranged from playing in the pit for the 2015 production of “Guys and Dolls” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, to performing with a polka band at the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest; this festival draws 350,000 people annually for Polka! (and beverages).
Brad’s present focus is on the art of improvisation and jazz, although his interests span well beyond one musical genre. His upbringing was mostly in classical trumpet, but he’s also passionate about topics like music history, theory, and world music. Brad has even had the opportunity to briefly teach/study music abroad in India and Jamaica.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“Music educators are ambassadors of the arts. My goals as an educator are to help students gain the necessary skills for playing and understanding music, as well as inspiring and engaging their personal interests, and hopefully broadening those interests. I hope to inspire students to become active, curious, confident musicians that appreciate and respect their musical experience, however big or small.”
Instruments taught
Brad teaches trumpet to any age. Styles include classical, jazz, contemporary and popular.