Teaching
Assistant Professor of Trumpet - Kansas State University
University Teaching
John Kilgore is Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Kansas State University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate applied trumpet. His teaching responsibilities also include chamber music, trumpet ensemble, high brass methods, and courses in trumpet pedagogy and repertoire.
Kilgore also serves as the Applied Music Area Coordinator where helps to manage scheduling, communication, and administrative processes for 4 applied area Division Heads and over 20 applied faculty.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching emphasizes developing the fundamentals of music and trumpet skill in service of musical expression, tone production, and independence. I approach instruction as an individualized, goal-oriented process that helps students develop both their artistic voice and effective learning habits. I foster an inclusive studio culture built on camaraderie, artistic excellence, and student leadership. As a mentor, I both encourage and guide students to take ownership of their growth as musicians, educators, and colleagues. My goal is to prepare students for successful careers as performers and educators, and to become leaders who are positive influences within their communities and beyond.
Additional Teaching Activities
Kilgore serves on the brass faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, where he teaches students from across the United States and internationally. At Kansas State University, he regularly leads and collaborates on events for high school musicians including Flute and Trumpet “Flumpet” Day, and serves as a brass coach with the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra education program. To learn more about Kilgore’s activities as a clinician and presenter, please see the Vitae section.
