Walter Simonsen, DMA
Listen to Walt Watch Walt Listen (writing projects)
Walter Simonsen, DMA
Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Educator, Composition & Arranging, Conducting, Brass/Horns Contractor for live performance & recording sessions
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WALTER SIMONSEN – Trumpeter • Arranger • Educator • Bandleader

Walter Simonsen is a nationally recognized trumpeter, arranger, composer, educator, and bandleader whose career bridges jazz, pop, marching arts, and commercial music. Known for his versatility, creativity, and leadership, Walt has performed or recorded with major artists including Steve Miller, Tim McGraw, Michael Bublé, Bobby Caldwell, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Radiohead, Of Monsters and Men, Mary Mary, Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Bob Mintzer, and artists from NBC’s The Voice. He has appeared at the 50th and 51st GRAMMY Awards, the 62nd Golden Globes, and collaborated with many of today’s most respected jazz, R&B, and pop artists — and many more.

As an arranger, Walt’s work can be heard in the Warner Bros. film Going in Style, and in projects with international stars Jamie Cullum and BTS. His unique writing style blends modern jazz harmony with accessible grooves and cinematic energy.

Walt is the founder and leader of several active ensembles, including:

  • Trumpetology – A five-trumpet and rhythm section jazz group reimagining classic trumpet solos. Their debut album, This is Trumpetology, was praised by Bob Mintzer as “clever and swinging… first-rate.”

  • Red Light Brass Band – A New Orleans-style brass band with annual residencies at the OC Fair (since 2017) and the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (since 2023).

  • The Walter Simonsen Nonet – A forward-thinking small jazz ensemble featuring original compositions and contemporary arrangements.

  • Simonsen Swing Syndicate – A swing-era-inspired big band with a modern twist.

  • Walter Simonsen Big Band – A large ensemble focused on adventurous jazz writing.

  • Kraken Brass Band – The official brass band of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.

Currently, Walt serves as Director of Jazz Studies and Athletic Bands at Mount San Antonio College and Director of the South Pasadena High School Marching Band (since 2024). He is also on faculty at the Colburn Jazz Workshop, where his ensembles have been featured at the Monterey Jazz Festival and recognized with multiple DownBeat Student Music Awards.

Walt serves on the Advisory Board for the Community College All-Star Jazz Ensemble for the Jazz Education Network (JEN) and is a frequent guest artist, clinician, and speaker at jazz festivals and music educator conferences including SCSBOA.

He is also the founder of Simonsen Marching Designs, providing custom music, drill design, and consulting for premier marching ensembles including USC, UCLA, ELAC, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, and many award-winning high school programs across California.

Walt holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Jazz Studies from the USC Thornton School of Music and is an alumnus of the University of North Texas. He performs exclusively on Stomvi USA trumpets and mouthpieces.

Current Affiliations & Ensembles

  • Mount San Antonio College – Director of Jazz Studies & Athletic Bands

  • South Pasadena High School – Director of Marching Band

  • Colburn Jazz Workshop – Faculty

  • Jazz Education Network (JEN) – Advisory Board, Community College All-Star Jazz Ensemble

Band Leadership:

  • Trumpetology – Founder & Leader

  • Red Light Brass Band – Founder & Leader

  • Walter Simonsen Nonet – Leader

  • Simonsen Swing Syndicate – Leader

  • Walter Simonsen Big Band – Leader

  • Kraken Brass Band – Director (NHL Seattle Kraken)

Selected Performance & Recording Credits

  • Steve Miller – Live and studio

  • Tim McGraw – Studio recording

  • Michael Bublé – Studio albums

  • Bobby Caldwell – Live performance

  • Erykah Badu – Live performance

  • The Voice (NBC) – Studio sessions with featured artists

  • Alicia Keys, Radiohead, Of Monsters and Men, Mary Mary, Bob Mintzer, Bill Holman, Bob Florence

  • Featured with many other top jazz, pop, and R&B artists — and many more

Selected Arranging Credits

  • Going in Style (Warner Bros.) – Jazz Arranger

  • Jamie Cullum – Arranger

  • BTS – Arranger

Simonsen Marching Designs Clients Include

USC, UCLA, ELAC, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Cathedral City HS, Dana Hills HS, Burbank HS, Mission Viejo HS, Aliso Niguel HS, Garden Grove HS, Lincoln HS, Godinez HS, Palo Verde HS, Bonita HS, Lakewood HS, Carson HS, La Costa Canyon HS