



In Memoriam: Edward Tarr (1936–2020)

ITG mourns the passing of trumpeter, educator, and musicologist, Edward Tarr.

Edward Tarr was born in 1936 in Norwich, Connecticut. He earned a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College in 1957, a master's degree in trumpet performance from Northwestern University in 1959, and a PhD in musicology from the University of Hamberg in 1986.

Edward Tarr was the trumpet professor at the Rheinische Musikschule from 1968–70, director of the Bad Säckingen Trumpet Museum from 1985–2004, modern and historical trumpet instructor at the Basel Music Academy in Basel, Switzerland from 1972–2001. He also held positions in the United States at the University of Southern California (1985), Florida State University (1991 and 2001).

Tarr is particularly important as a leading pioneer and authority on the history and repertoire of the trumpet. He published hundreds of scholarly editions and recording dozens of albums and CDs of trumpet repertoire. He is one of the leaders in the popularity and revival of the valveless natural trumpet, and has many editions and recordings on that instrument.

He served as an active clinician throughout the world and a judge for many important competitions including the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition, Ellsworth Smith Competition, ARD Competition in Munich, International Altenberg Competition, and many others. He was also a consultant for many instrument companies including Meinl & Lauber, Egger, and Yamaha.

ITG welcomes submissions of photos and memories of Edward Tarr.

[Source: Arne Thielemann, The Trumpet (Edward Tarr)]