John O'Malley

University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music graduate John O’Malley’s passion for music began as a middle school student in Chicago, Illinois when he started playing the trumpet after his father inspired him to inherit his grandfather’s love for the trumpet.

 

Before moving to Denver, John established himself as a strong musician and trumpet player by winning the Outstanding Solo Artist at North Shore Jazz Festival, as well as Jazz in the Meadows for the piece “Round Midnight.” In addition, he initiated, managed, and played trumpet in the Opus Jazz Quintet, a successful jazz combo that performed in many of Chicago’s top restaurants. In 2001, John played Taps in front of an audience of 40,000 at Army Base Fort AP Hill, where they were honoring war veterans from across the country—an outstanding highlight in John’s career playing trumpet.

 

John enrolled at the University of Denver majoring in music performance after meeting mentor and friend Al Hood, trumpet professor at the University of Denver. In 2004, John assisted Hood in planning the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) held in Denver, acting as a direct link to the artists who performed.  In 2007, while earning his master’s degree, John played lead trumpet for the University of Nebraska-Kearney’s Jazz Band.

 

John now lives in Denver and works at Johnson and Wales University as the Student Academic Support Counselor and adjunct faculty member. He enjoys serving as a private trumpet lesson teacher, a freelance trumpet player focusing on ceremonies, and a member of High Top Jazz Quartetplaying trumpet in venues across Denver. 

 

Trumpet lessons in Denver with John are comprehensive, inspiring, and fun. Students learn the fundamentals of playing the trumpet, while developing musical skills that they can carry on throughout their lifetimes. As students learn how to play the trumpet with John as their guide, they will grow a love for the instrument and the world of music.