Benjamin Wright: “You Should Always Be Listening to Yourself and Trying to Create the Sound You’re Hearing in Your Head”

Benjamin Wright, a fifth-generation trumpet player, grew up in a musically rich family and became enamored with the trumpet at an early age. His musical journey includes studies at Interlochen Academy and the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he worked with Michael Sachs. Benjamin delved into solo competitions and performed with prestigious orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony and Boston Symphony, where he currently plays second trumpet.

His teaching philosophy focuses on fostering independence in students, encouraging them to think for themselves and make musical decisions. Benjamin incorporates the Alexander Technique into his teaching, emphasizing natural body use for improved playing. He has been teaching since his time in Washington and has been a faculty member at the New England Conservatory since 2003.

Benjamin’s teaching approach involves using Chris Gekker’s “Articulation Studies” book, alongside standard trumpet literature like the Arban and Clarke books. He advocates modeling playing on desired sounds and listening to “state of the art recordings” to inspire students. His advice for students includes striving to think independently and being open to revisiting concepts over time.

At the New England Conservatory, Benjamin teaches students of various levels, including high school, undergraduates, and postgraduates. He emphasizes flexibility and tailoring teaching methods to suit individual student needs.

Benjamin co-founded the New England Virtual Trumpet Seminar with David Krauss in response to the cancellation of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute due to the pandemic. The seminar features renowned trumpet players covering a range of topics from excerpts and solos to fundamentals and performance psychology.

Overall, Benjamin Wright is dedicated to helping students develop their musical voice, improve their playing, and navigate their unique paths in the world of trumpet performance.