Neal Berntsen

Neal Berntsen serves as Artist Lecturer in Trumpet and Chair of the Brass Division at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music. As principal trumpeter for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1997, he brings extensive orchestral expertise to pedagogy.

His instructional methodology integrates technical fundamentals from Vincent Cichowicz's pedagogical traditions with contemporary performance practices. Students under his mentorship have secured positions with premier ensembles including the New York Philharmonic and London Sinfonietta.

Performance achievements include world premieres of works like Reza Vali's microtonal concerto 'The Ancient Call' and collaborations with the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass ensemble. He performs on a 1727 Nicolo Gagliano trumpet and contributes to summer programs at Brevard Music Center.