About
Canadian trumpeter Alan Klaus is a performer, recording artist, educator, adjudicator, and artistic director whose career spans solo, orchestral, chamber music, and educational settings. Praised for his "exquisite" tone, he has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, adjudicator, and masterclass presenter throughout North America, with additional performances in Europe and Asia.
His debut solo album, First Light (Centrediscs), features six award-winning Canadian composers, including four commissioned works. The album's opening track, Song of Hope, was described by Radio-Canada as "trumpet at its finest," while the International Trumpet Guild Journal praised Klaus' "commanding presence" across tone palette, lyricism, phrasing, range, and technique.
Alan is the Founder and Artistic Director of Phoenix Ensemble and a founding member of Tephra Collective, an international chamber ensemble dedicated to expanding the repertoire for brass through commissions, arrangements, and performance.
TEACHING
As Associate Professor of Trumpet at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Alan believes great teaching extends far beyond technical mastery. Alongside artistry and technical excellence, he helps students cultivate confidence, self-compassion, and the mindset that allows musicians to perform with freedom, authenticity, and resilience.
His teaching emphasizes purposeful practice, performance psychology, and a collaborative studio culture where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to discover their own musical voice. Former students have gone on to careers in professional ensembles and educational organizations, earned full scholarships to leading graduate programs, won solo and concerto competitions, and built successful careers both within and beyond the music profession.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
"I never doubted Dr. Klaus' belief in me, or in any of his students, and he cultivated a true sense of collaboration in our studio. Dr. Klaus' approach to music education nurtured a sense of confidence in my personal and professional life that I carry forward in my musical and non-musical pursuits to this day."
- Michael O'Keefe
BMus (Hons) '18, Trumpet Performance and Musicologies
Rhodes Scholar • Lawyer
"Dr. Alan Klaus is an exceptional educator whose commitment to student success is second to none. His thoughtful instruction, deep musical knowledge and investment played a crucial role in my development. I am a stronger, more grounded musician and I would not have the successful career I have today without his mentorship."
- Steven Donegan
MMus '14, Trumpet Performance
Canadian Armed Forces Music Branch