Michael Winkler is currently pursuing his DMA in Trumpet Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder under the instruction of Dr. Ryan Gardner. Winkler completed his Bachelor of Arts at Luther College and his Masters of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Michael has maintained a private studio teaching students from all ages and backgrounds for the last 6 years. Outside of his academic and pedagogical work, Winkler has received numerous awards and distinctions for his playing. He achieved a first place finish at the National Trumpet Competition in 2021 in the Yamaha Virtual Ensemble Division. He has also been a quarterfinalist and a semifinalist numerous times in the Undergraduate and Graduate solo divisions at NTC. Winkler recently advanced to the finals of the International Trumpet Guild’s Orchestral Excerpts competition and will compete in the finals the summer of 2022. He has also made an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Fischoff Chamber Competition in 2021 as a member of the CU Boulder Trumpet Ensemble.
Winkler’s playing has taken him around the world performing for live television and radio programs in Brazil. He has also appeared with orchestras in Slovakia, Eisenstadt, Austria and a sold out performance at the famed Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. Winkler maintains an active playing schedule freelancing with numerous orchestras in the Denver area. He is indebted to his numerous instructors including Dr. Ryan Gardner, Justin Bartels, and Dr. John T. Cord.