Sept. 4, 2027–Trumpeter Dr. Keith Benjamin has joined the Missouri Western State University faculty for the 2026-27 academic year as an Artist in Residence. Benjamin will lead MoWest’s applied high brass studios, teaching trumpet and French horn. These studios are open to any interested student, not just declared music majors.
“This appointment gives Missouri Western students a rare opportunity to study with a performer and educator of national and international standing,” said Dr. Ed Taylor, interim assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Benjamin has taught at the UMKC Conservatory since 1989 and was named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Trumpet in 2017. He maintains an active international performance career, including work with the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. His commercial/studio credits include work with artists such as Hugh Jackman, Ben Folds, Peter Gabriel, Idina Menzel and Matthew Morrison.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.