Josh Rzepka

Youth Session: Mastering Mutes: A Guide to Selecting the Right Trumpet Mute for Any Musical Situation

Chicago-based trumpeter and composer Josh Rzepka has been featured on NPR and PBS, and his music has been played on jazz radio stations across the world. His album “Into the Night” reached the #9 spot on the JazzWeek radio chart and the #5 position on the CMJ Jazz chart. In addition to his work in jazz, Josh is also known for his YouTube channel, and his classical performances. In 2019, he published his first book, The Versatile Trumpeter: Duets Vol. 1, which he co-authored with Roger Ingram.

Josh has released four albums to date. In addition to Trumpet Genesis (2013) and Into the Night (2011), he has also released his debut jazz album Midwest Coast (2009) and his debut classical album Josh Rzepka: Baroque Music for Trumpet (2010). He is a dedicated educator, teaching trumpet in the Chicago area and offering lessons online to students of all ages. Since 2015, he has toured nationally with the classic rock band Under the Streetlamp.

In 22/23 academic year the Josh Rzepka jazz quartet returned for the 2nd time as an educational artist in residence for the Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs, CO. Additionally Josh has appeared on stage with the Detroit Symphony, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Cleveland Pops, the Temptations, at multiple jazz festivals, and has recorded with Motown legend Marcus Belgrave. In 2011, he was recognized by the Akron Area Arts Alliance with their Rising Young Star award. He is an endorsed artist for Denis Wick and Robinson’s Remedies.