Charlie Epstein is an emerging trumpet performer currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he studies and performs with several of the school’s premier ensembles.
Recognized for his versatility and musical leadership. In 2026 he was named Principal Trumpet for the Prague Summer Nights Music Festival where he performed with the Czech Philhamonic and debuted new brass quintet works by Thomas C. Duffy. Charlie has held principal trumpet positions in major projects including the Orchestra Speaks Project and the Cincinnati International Conductors Festival. He has been named a quarterfinalist in the National Trumpet Competition (large ensemble division) in both 2025 and 2026.
As an active orchestral and wind ensemble musician in Cincinnati, he regularly performs with CCM Philharmonia, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Orchestra, and Brass Choir, as well as with the Mt. Auburn Brass Fellowship and River’s Edge Brass Band. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the CCM Wind Ensemble on works by Persichetti, Schuman, and Montague.
His early training includes working with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Side-by-Side program as Principal and the Indianapolis Youth Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Trumpet.
With a strong diversity of styles in both solo and ensemble playing, Charlie continues to build a dynamic performance career, combining technical precision with expressive artistry across a wide range of musical settings.
