THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC - TROMBONE STUDIO
Under the direction of Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas
Welcome to The University of Akron Trombone Studio!
The trombone studio at Akron is comprised of graduate and undergraduate trombonists pursuing degrees in music performance and education. Qualified undergraduate students receive scholarships and financial aid for both merit and academic achievement. Additionally, Akron offers a graduate trombone teaching assistantship (tuition and an $8,000 stipend) which includes trombone studio responsibilities and performing in the graduate brass quintet.
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Why Choose The University of Akron?
Performance opportunities
- All trombonists can participate in the Akron Trombone Choir, an active ensemble. That performs at recitals and outreach concerts at exciting locations (zoos, museums, and sporting events).
- Participate in masterclasses with world-renowned musicians.
- Travel as a studio to orchestral performances, trombone recitals, and trombone festivals.
Students at Akron can perform with the UA Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Basketball Band, and “Ohio’s Pride” Marching Band. Learn more about UA ensembles and the performance stipend students receive for participating.
Career success
Our music education department currently has a 99% job placement rate.
Dedicated faculty
Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas is one of many University of Akron School of Music Professors that offer their time and commitment to each student in their program. Prospective students are invited to have a complimentary lesson with Dr. Rudzinskas.
Trombone Faculty
Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas has a dynamic career as an accomplished trombonist and pedagogue performing as a chamber musician, soloist, freelancer, clinician, and presenter. Rudzinskas currently serves as the Senior Lecturer of Trombone at the University of Akron. Rudzinskas is a founding member of Calypsus Brass, an innovative ensemble praised for its commitment to performing new works, giving masterclasses, and creating high-level professional recordings for underrepresented composers. An expert arts administrator, Lauren serves as the General Manager of the International Women’s Brass Conference.
Praised for her sound and technique, Rudzinskas has been a featured solo artist with groups including the Ashtabula Brass Band, Mercer Community Band, and YSU Symphony Orchestra. As a recitalist, she most recently gave a recital tour as part of the Neighbor Tones Project designed to bring music to vulnerable communities. Rudzinskas is an experienced orchestral musician having held the principal trombone chair in the Greenville Symphony, as a regular substitute in Symphoria (formerly the Syracuse Symphony), and as principal trombonist of the Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic. As a studio musician, Lauren has appeared on motion picture soundtracks as a member of the Youngstown Scoring Stage as well as various CD projects. Rudzinskas is a current member of the Athena Brass Band and the Ohio Trombone Consortium.
Prospective Students
Prospective undergraduate and graduate students are invited to visit the campus, and have a complimentary lesson with Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas.
To arrange a visit or a lesson with Dr. Rudzinskas, email her directly at: lrudzinskas@uakron.edu .
An example tentative schedule:
Noon - 1 p.m. | Play with or Observe the Trombone Choir
1 - 2 p.m. | Lunch with Students
2 - 3 p.m. | Play with or Observe Wind Symphony
3 - 4 p.m. | Lesson with Dr. Rudzinskas
Questions?
For more information on the Akron Trombone Studio, questions about what to prepare, Repertoire Requirements, or to schedule your audition contact Dr. Rudzinskas at lrudzinskas@uakron.edu.
Trombone Audition Requirements
Undergraduate
- Audition: Required. Auditions can be individually scheduled, held via zoom, or held on one of the School of Music Audition Days.
- Accompanist: Not needed.
- Repertoire:Choose two pieces (solos or etudes) of contrasting style.
Graduate
- Audition: Required. Auditions can be individually scheduled, held via zoom, or held on one of the School of Music Audition Days.
- Accompanist: Not needed.
- Repertoire: Two contrasting solo works and an etude. In addition, prepare 3 contrasting orchestral excerpts.
Contact us
The University of Akron Trombone Studio is a welcoming community! Please contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
The School of Music - Trombone Studio
Guzzetta Hall 374
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-1002
Email: lrudzinskas@uakron.edu
For more information: Fill out our interest form