Terell Stafford

Terell Stafford is a world-renowned trumpet player and educator based in New York. He’s roundly recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player who combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Stafford was born in Miami and first picked up the trumpet at age thirteen to study classical music. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois and Silver Spring, Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Maryland in 1988. He also holds a Masters of Music from Rutgers University. Along the way, Stafford received advice and support from fellow trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who remains a friend and collaborator. Stafford has had a robust and storied career as an award-winning and sought-after performer, and he’s the founder and bandleader of the Terell Stafford Quintet. Stafford also serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and the Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University and is the managing and artistic director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia.