ASU School of Music welcomes trombonist Brad Edwards to faculty

Brad Edwards will join the ASU School of Music faculty as associate professor of trombone in the fall of 2016. With a style that has been variously described as “passionate,” “fiercely vigorous” and even “humorous,” Edwards has appeared as a soloist before audiences around the country. His solo credits include radio and television broadcasts, premieres of new music, guest recitals at colleges and regional workshops, and concertos with student and professional orchestras and wind ensembles.

“We are pleased to welcome Brad Edwards to the brass faculty in the ASU School of Music,” said Heather Landes, director of the school. “Dr. Edwards’ experience as a soloist and orchestral musician, his focus on tailoring his teaching to the needs of the individual, and his research interests in trombone pedagogy are an excellent match with our faculty as we work to prepare our students with the necessary tools to succeed as 21st-century musicians and creative leaders.”

Edwards says that he is looking forward to his new position in the School of Music and to living in Tempe. He is also excited about pursuing new projects with respect to commissions, recordings and books. “I love the positive, creative environment at ASU,” says Edwards. “I think it presents fertile soil to grow new ideas.”

Edwards currently teaches trombone at the University of South Carolina and performs with both the Symphony Orchestra Augusta and the South Carolina Philharmonic. Previously he taught at the University of Northern Iowa and played principal trombone in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony. He was twice featured as a soloist while a member of the United States Air Force Band in Washington D.C.

A major focus of Edwards’ research is developing creative solutions to improve teaching and learning the trombone. “I’m probably best known for a number of educational books I’ve written, mostly for the trombone,” says Edwards.

Edwards holds degrees from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Hartt School of Music. His primary teachers have included Jim Olin, Tony Chipurn, Ronald Borror and Henry Schmidt. He has also studied with Arnold Jacobs, Dave Fedderly and Milt Stevens. 

Media Contact:
Heather Beaman
Communications Liaison
480.727.6222
Heather.M.Beaman@asu.edu