Bio

Quick Story:

My name is Brian Mantz, a professional trumpet player living in Southern California. I started playing at age 10, using my uncle's trumpet for elementary band class in fifth grade. This is where my musical journey began. In high school, I followed my older brother's influence into music forming garage bands, playing other instruments and performing in local clubs and coffee shops.

At 16, my first formal trumpet lesson was with trumpet teacher Michael Gaughn. At 17 I started studying formal jazz improvisation with saxophonist Jeff Ellwood. I had decided in high school that I was going to be a professional musician, and followed my muse into college. At Riverside Community College, I studied trumpet with Kevin Mayse, Dr. David Scott, and continued my improvisation studies with Jeff Ellwood. At Cal State Fullerton I studied with Dr. Mark Garrabrant and Dr. Chuck Tumlinson. At Cal State Long Beach I studied with Ron Stout and Dan Fornero.

My experience playing in the Wind Ensembles of Kevin Mayse and Dr. Mitch Fennell , and the Big Bands of Charles Richard, Chuck Tumlinson, Jeff Jarvis, and Joey Sellers were vital in developing my sense of musical performance and preparation leading to a BMA in Jazz Commercial Studies from Cal State Fullerton, an MMA in Jazz Commercial Studies from Cal State Long Beach, and launching my musical career.

I have the philosophy of using music as a tool for health and wellness. I teach my students the benefits of practicing music in their everyday lives. The preparation, practice, and performance of a musical instrument can lead to Happiness.

I am currently teaching at Riverside Community College as an adjunct Trumpet professor as well as Director of the RCC Jazz Lab Ensemble #2 and Jazz combos.