Trumpet | Faculty, The Global Conservatory

Renowned for her vibrant tone and precision, Carrie Schafer is an accomplished orchestral trumpeter currently serving as Assistant Principal / Second Trumpet with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Second Trumpet with the Lansing Symphony. A native of Minnesota and raised in the Chicago area, Carrie earned her Bachelor of Music in Performance from Northwestern University, where she studied with Barbara Butler and Charlie Geyer, followed by a Performer’s Certificate from the Colburn School in Los Angeles.

Carrie’s orchestral career has spanned the globe with performances alongside the New World Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Houston Symphony, and the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland. Her tenure with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra included the Grammy Award–winning recording of John Adams’ City Noir in 2015.

An artist of remarkable versatility, Carrie frequently performs with major U.S. orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic, while continuing her advanced studies at Michigan State University as a University Distinguished Fellow under Justin Emerich. Outside of her professional engagements, she is known for her passion for mentorship, cycling, and exploring new cuisines.