MTSU Brass Studies: Dr. Michael Arndt

Michael Arndt

A native of the Midwest, Dr. Michael Arndt joined the MTSU School of Music as the trumpet professor in 2002. In addition to maintaining a private studio of more than twenty music majors and minors, Dr. Arndt coaches and directs the MTSU Symphonic Brass Ensemble, the award winning MTSU Trumpet Ensemble, and numerous other brass chamber ensembles. He has also guest conducted both the MTSU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The MTSU Trumpet Ensemble is very active having most recently opened for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra's Day of Music open house. The Trumpet Ensemble has also performed in the National Trumpet Competition in Washington, DC and this past summer at the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Conference at Rowan University to an audience of over 900 people. Dr. Arndt has additionally presented and performed at conferences in the US and in Bangkok, Thailand. His performing schedule at the university is very busy as he performs solo recitals and regularly with the Stones River Chamber Players. The MTSU Faculty Brass Quintet features Dr. Arndt along with colleagues David Loucky, Jeff Bailey, Radu Rusu, and Gilbert Long. They have presented many concerts in Middle Tennessee featuring some of the most exciting and difficult music for brass quintet.

Since moving to Middle Tennessee, he has been increasingly active in Nashville's dynamic music community. He is a regular addition to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra trumpet sections and plays Principal Trumpet with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with the Huntsville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and many others. Additionally, he is active in Nashville recording studios and has performed with many of Nashville's best known performers for Fourth of July Celebrations, benefit concerts, and even at Tennessee's Bonnaroo Music Festival.

Dr. Arndt earned degrees in Trumpet Performance from some of the most reputable programs throughout the United States. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory of Music, Master of Music from the University of Minnesota and Doctorate of Music Arts from Arizona State University. He was also awarded a Performance Certificate from DePaul University. His teachers include Dave Hickman, Philip Clark, Keith Benjamin, Gary Schutza, Gary Bordner, David Baldwin, and John Hagstrom.