Known as a trumpet player of power, personality, and sensibility, Esteban Batallán has won over audiences across the world—a group that now includes SFCM Brass students. 

Batallán gave a masterclass at SFCM on January 18, an instantly memorable moment for Conservatory students. "Working with Esteban was really a dream come true," said student Jordan Ku, who remembers first hearing Batallán play as a young teen. "Esteban was one of the first people I listened to for inspiration. So when I heard that we were going to have a masterclass with him, I couldn't believe it. Getting to play for and learn from someone, I have looked up to just blew my mind." Ku is a trumpet player working with Adam Luftman. 

Esteban Batallán and Jordan Ku.

Batallán currently serves as the Principal Trumpet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, world-renowned for its long tradition of uniquely resonant, powerful and expressive brass playing, a role that launched him to international fame. 

"The SFCM students were very well prepared, and their attitude was perfect, with lots of curiosity," Batallán said. "It is always a pleasure to work with new students, see where they are, and try to find the way, in a short period of time, to make an impact and change their perspective or improvement if possible." 

Esteban Batallán.

For Ku, the experience was invaluable. "I've had friends who have played for him in masterclasses, and all of them told me that the recordings don't give him justice for how big he can play," Ku continued. "So when he played the opening solo for Mahler's 5th symphony, it was mind-blowing: both how powerfully he could play and how his control of the sound was unlike anything I've ever heard."

Esteban Batallán works with student Jordan Ku in the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall.

SFCM's Brass department is made up of principal brass chairs of the San Francisco Symphony, as well as principal players of the San Francisco Opera and Ballet orchestras. Small studios with all-star faculty guarantee individualized instruction and opportunities to play side-by-side with the biggest players in the business. 

"SFCM is a referent nationwide," Batallán added. "Visiting the school and having a masterclass at that phenomenal venue was a very wonderful experience. Happy to be back anytime!"

Learn more about studying Brass at SFCM.