Welcome to my page. I am Curtis Tate and I am a trumpet player and pianist based in Akron, Ohio.
I first came to Ohio to study music at Kent State University. During my years at Kent, I studied trumpet with Michael Chunn, playing in a variety of university-based ensembles across all styles of music. This led to the opportunity to be a featured soloist at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival and the privilege of premiering the work of Norwegian composer Rohan Sandemo. I also seized opportunities to perform on piano when I could, including appearing as the accompanist to the Kent State Gospel Choir on their Eastern European tour.
During college, I began playing with a band called Winslow, whom I played with for nearly a decade. That band released four albums and included appearances with Earth Wind and Fire, Robert Randolph, Lupe Fiasco, and several other national acts. In that period of time, I also was an instructor on both trumpet and piano and continued performing in various groups which led to performing opportunities with Helen Welch, as well as Christine Ohlman of the Saturday Night Live Band.
In recent years, I have done most of my work as a freelance musician, performing with such artists as Dorianne Denard and Zach and the Bright Lights as well as solo performances and a considerable amount of work performing in theater orchestras throughout the area. I also work regularly as a church musician for multiple congregations in the area which allowed me the chance to work with Worship Design Studio founder Marcia McFee.
These experiences have lent me the ability to be a versatile musician on both of my instruments. My performances range across genres including jazz, rock, pop, and classical and I bring that versatility with me into the work that I do to bring a tailor-made touch to whatever your needs may be.
I look forward to hearing from and working with you!
I provide music for both public and private events of all sizes and will gladly collaborate with and arrange other musicians to fit your needs. While completing this form, please provide as much detail as possible about your event and what you are looking for in regards to style of music and instrumentation.
Please enter your information here to begin the booking Process.
Not ready to book? Contact me via email at catptmusic@gmail.com with general inquiries.
Please note that your private event will be listed on my events page by date and time to mark my unavailability for booking during that time. No personal or location information will be published.