Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Robert Garrison is a dynamic trumpet player based in New York City, known for his versatility across classical, baroque, and jazz styles. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, he aims to make music accessible and enjoyable for all audiences through expressive playing and thoughtful sound.
Robert has performed with many of the country’s top orchestras. He served as Acting 2nd Trumpet with the Louisiana Philharmonic and currently performs as an Extra Musician with the Metropolitan Opera. His appearances include guest principal roles with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, and many more. Notably, he performed with the New York Philharmonic at the opening of David Geffen Hall in 2022 and with MusicAeterna on their 2019 U.S. tour—both named among the New York Times’s “Best Classical Music Performances” of their respective years.
An advocate for new music, Robert has premiered and recorded works by emerging composers, including Radiate by Katie Jenkins, winner of the 2021 Women Composing for Trumpet competition, and Shelbie Rassler’s …and soon you will be on its shore… in 2024.
Robert holds a B.M. from the University of North Texas and an M.M. from the Juilliard School, where he studied under Christopher Martin, Raymond Mase, Caleb Hudson, and others. He has attended prestigious festivals including Tanglewood, Aspen, and the National Orchestral Institute.
He is a Yamaha and Patrick Mouthpieces Performing Artist.