Bio

John Adler Performing Cantus by Eric Nathan at ITG 2015

Professor of Trumpet John Adler joined the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado in 2010.  Dr. Adler has an established national reputation as a performer, educator, and composer of trumpet music in various mediums.  His diverse performance resume includes recitals, masterclasses, and performances in classical and jazz settings all across the country including conferences of the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) and College Music Society.

Trumpet section for Greeley Xmas Brass

Dr. Adler has performed with orchestras and chamber groups all across Colorado and Wyoming.  This includes performances with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, and guest principal trumpet appearances with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, and chamber music performances with the Colorado Symphony Brass, the Boulder Brass, the Boulder Brass Quintet, the Denver Brass, and the Greeley Philharmonic Brass.  Prior to moving to Colorado, he performed with the symphony orchestras of Eugene, Miami, and Roanoke, as well as the Reno Philharmonic, the Palm Beach Pops, and Opera Roanoke.

John Adler Trio in October 2016

His jazz/commercial experience includes performances with touring Broadway shows, and with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, Colorado Jazz Orchestra, the Jaco Pastorious Big Band, the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band, and jazz chamber groups Seven Minus and the John Adler Trio.

John Adler & Tracy Cowden performing music from Confronting Inertia at the Eastman School of Music in 2015

His first solo CD “Confronting Inertia”, released on Origin Classical in 2009, features all new works, many incorporating improvisation in a classical context, for trumpet and piano or electronics by composers with jazz backgrounds.  Dr. Adler has performed music from Confronting Inertia in over 15 states, and at conferences of the International Trumpet Guild and the College Music Society.  His other recording credits include the big band recordings “Pulsefeaturing music by Dan Cavanagh, and “Stand Up Eight featuring music by Steve Owen.  John’s first small group jazz CD “Things I Like” was recorded with pianist Dan Cavanagh and percussionist Jaime Reyes, and was released in 2014. The recording for jazz trio features original compositions for Rhodes, Drums, and Trumpet with Electronics.

Adam Cuthbért

In 2014, he embarked on a new project with composer Adam Cuthbért featuring music for trumpet and electronics utilizing improvisation and multiple effects with the software program Ableton Live.  The project has been performed all across the country and was presented as part of the 2015 ITG Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The presentation entitled “Trumpet and Electronics: A Primer for Performance and Practice” featured multiple works for trumpet and electronics in classical and jazz settings including live performances.  The duo recorded a CD entitled Scarlet Rising Moon that was released in November of 2019.

Ableton Launch Pad used in duo trumpet & electronics recording

John holds a D.M.A. in trumpet performance at the University of Miami, a MM from the University of Oregon, and a BM from the University of Nevada-Reno.  John’s primary teachers/mentors include Craig Morris, Steve Owen, Larry Engstrom, Alex Norris, Whit Sidener, George Recker, and James Miley.  His compositional output includes works for various jazz settings, trumpet ensembles, and a recently completed Voyages, a Concerto for Trumpet and Electronics with Wind Ensemble.  Dr. Adler’s compositions and arrangements have been performed at multiple National Trumpet Competitions and ITG conferences.

Dr. Adler’s duties at UNC include teaching trumpet lessons, coaching chamber music, and teaching courses in brass literature and pedagogy.