Praised for his “beautiful resonate tone” and “outstanding
flexibility” (ITA Journal), Dr. Thomas W. Zugger has enjoyed an international
career as a performer, educator and composer. Dr. Zugger is an associate
professor of trombone and euphonium at the Capital University Conservatory of
Music — a position he has held since 1998. He spends his summers teaching at
the International Music Camp on the border of Canada and North Dakota at the
International Peace Garden. Prior to his appointment at Capital, Dr. Zugger
taught at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich., and has also taught in the Walled
Lake Michigan public schools.
As a trombonist and euphonium player, Dr. Zugger has
performed extensively. He is currently principal trombone in the
Newark/Granville Symphony and appears with the Ashland and Mansfield symphonies
in Ohio, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and
Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. He also appeared the 18th Macau China International
Music Festival. He has performed for national tours of numerous Broadway
musicals and has backed many popular performers, including Barry Manilow,
Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Moody Blues, Melissa Manchester, Irish Tenors,
Wayne Newton, and many others.
Dr. Zugger also keeps a busy schedule as a clinician. Recent
appearances include the 2010 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 30 state National
Association for Music Education conferences, The Big XII Trombone Conference,
College Music Society Great Lakes Chapter Convention, Bowling Green State
University Contemporary Trombone Festival, and many colleges and universities.
His latest CD, Dances and Dreams: recital music for
trombone, on the Mark record label and available on his web site
www.zuggermusic.com, was awarded a Grammy entry list nomination for 2010. Dr.
Zugger is an artist/clinician for Edwards Trombones and an authorized
distributor for Griego Mouthpieces. As a published composer and arranger,
Zugger’s works are regularly performed by artists nationally and
internationally, and have been featured at both the International Trombone
Association and International Clarinet Association annual conventions.
He is a member of Broadcast Music, Inc., and is listed in
Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education. He is on the
International Trombone Association’s Press Board and literature review committee.
His compositions are published through Brixton Publications, TAP Music, Warwick
Music, the International Trombone Association Press, and on his website.
His primary teachers for trombone were Curtis Olson and Joe
Duchi and for composition Ed Sarath and Jan Radzinski. An avid runner, Dr.
Zugger has complete 45 marathons and three ultra marathons. In his spare time
he enjoys hiking, traveling and cooking with his wonderful and patient wife,
clarinet professor Dr. Gail L. Zugger, and their new son, Nathan.