University of Kentucky Trumpet Studio

Congratulations to Victor Yuen on his appointment as Assistant Professor of Music at Mississippi Valley State University! During his time at the University of Kentucky, Victor has pursued TWO doctoral degrees, a DMA in trumpet performance and a PhD in music theory. He has been a beloved doctoral teaching assistant in both trumpet lessons and music theory courses. A native of Hong Kong, he previously earned a BM and a MM from the Eastman School of Music. We will miss you, Victor (Dr. Yuen), but look forward to seeing all you will achieve in Mississippi!

Congratulations to Emma Vakiener who was just appointed Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at the University of the Cumberlands! At UC, Emma will teaching trumpet lessons and music appreciation. Emma completed her master's degree at the University of Kentucky this past May and will begin her DMA here in Fall 2026.

Congratulations to our very own Julia Stowell who is the new trumpet professor at Mississippi State University!! While we will miss you greatly in the University of Kentucky trumpet studio, we know you will do great things in Mississippi!

UK trumpet alumnus Ruy Li and UK professor of trumpet Jason Dovel were recently featured in "Musical Instrument Magazine," a publication in China!

Congratulations to UK trumpet student Kody Jernigan who is the newest trumpeter in the United States Air Force! Kody won an audition for a jazz trumpet position this summer and just completed MEPS and swore in! Congratulations, we are so proud of you and look forward to the marvelous career you will have as a U.S. military band musician!

Yesterday, we announced our new incoming music majors. Today, we're excited to welcome three new trumpet players who will be music minors starting Fall 2026! At UK, music minors stay active in music through ensembles and lessons, while pursuing an academic degree in an area outside music. Many of our music majors are highly motivated and talented students who play active roles throughout the School of Music! This year, we are excited to welcome Jackson, Nolan, and Colin!

A hearty welcome to the 8 new trumpet majors who will be joining the University of Kentucky trumpet studio in Fall 2026! We are excited to welcome these talented students from all around the world, including Greece, Brazil, and various US states including Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Arkansas, and Kentucky!
Welcome Eliza, Helder, Matthew, Lillian, Emma, Antwan, Ace, and Kaleb! Excited to see all you will achieve at UK and beyond!