American trumpeter Max Matzen is an active performer, recording artist, and educator whose career spans the United States, Europe, and Asia. Known for his versatility in classical, chamber, and jazz settings, he maintains a vibrant performance schedule while serving as Professor of Trumpet at Utah State University.
Matzen is a member of The Emerald Brass Quintet, whose recent album Danzón (Albany Records) showcases their dynamic and engaging repertoire. He was appointed principal trumpet of the American Festival Orchestra (UT) in 2012 and performs with the Utah Festival Opera Orchestra as both section and principal trumpet. His orchestral work also includes appearances with the Rochester Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Lubbock Symphony, Charleston Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony. Earlier in his career, he performed with the renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
As a soloist and clinician, Matzen has built an international reputation through recitals, masterclasses, and appearances at conferences such as the International Trumpet Guild, International Saxophone Congress, Florida Music Educators Association, Utah Music Educators Association, and the Jazz Education Network. He has performed concertos with ensembles including the Utah Festival Opera Orchestra, Texas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Utah State University Symphony Orchestra, and the Utah State Alumni Band. In jazz, he performs with the Aggie Music Project (AMP), USU’s faculty combo, which has toured festivals such as Umbria (Italy), Vienne (France), Montreux (Switzerland), and Ancona (Italy).
His solo album, Nightsongs – Trumpet Impressions with Piano and Harp (MSR Classics, 2024), has earned critical acclaim. Fanfare praised it as “suave, attractive… sensitive,” while the International Trumpet Guild Journal lauded his “virtuosic touch,” “rich tone,” and “stylistic mastery.” Other reviewers described it as “beyond criticism” and “an outstanding MSR recording,” applauding the artistry and expressive range he brings to the trumpet.
Equally dedicated to teaching, Matzen began his academic career at Texas Tech University before joining Utah State University in 2012. At USU, he directs the DownBeat award-winning Jazz Orchestra, coaches jazz combos, and leads a thriving trumpet studio. His students have gone on to top graduate programs including Indiana University, the University of North Texas, and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, with several earning positions in elite ensembles such as “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.