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Renowned trumpet player performs, teaches in Utah

Posted at 10:42 PM, Feb 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-04 00:42:23-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- An accomplished trumpet player paid a visit to Utah to perform as well as share some knowledge.

Allen Vizzutti, who has traveled around the world playing trumpet, preformed with the Utah Wind Symphony and also taught master classes and clinics at the University of Utah during his visit. Vizzutti has recorded with big names like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond.

Russell Schmidt, associate professor and director of jazz studies at the University of Utah, said this was a great opportunity for the school.

“Allen Vizzutti is a really remarkable musician, and it`s a major coup for the University of Utah School of Music to get him to visit our campus to work with different ensembles,” Schmidt said.

Vizzutti said his travels have shaped his views and music, and he is excited to share those experiences with students

“You learn a world perspective that`s pretty amazing, and another thing you learn that really gives me a lot of energy to go talk to students about music and playing and life and all that, is that wherever you go music speaks the language that makes people happy,' Vizzutti said.

His advice to music students is straightforward.

“The fundamentals are the same, helping the students play as good as they can in an efficient and productive manner in almost a minimal amount of time, in other words, gunning for efficiency and good time management,” he said.

But Vizzutti is quick to point out that there is more to musical growth than the nuts and bolts.

“The pure fact of a student thinking emotionally and thinking of a beautiful sound is very powerful, and once it clicks for the person they really can get better,” he said.