Kurt Eide is a trombonist and music educator who has called Chicago his home since 2022. After earning his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, he has enjoyed an active schedule playing with the wide variety of high-level musicians in the area and throughout the Midwest. He has performed groups such as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

Kurt most-highly values the ideals of versatility and openness in his musicianship. He was a long-time member of the award-winning Fall Creek Brass Band in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. As lead trombonist of the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble, he played alongside modern-day greats such as Alexa Tarantino, Matt Smith, Roxy Coss, and Vincent Gardner.

A proud holder of the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Ithaca College, Kurt’s passion for mentoring the next generation of musical minds energizes his music and how he creates it. Kurt completed student-teaching experiences with the Ithaca College Homeschool Music Program (Modern/Traditional Band) and Centereach High School (Traditional/Jazz Band). He was also a mainstay at Ithaca College Trombone Day during his time in New York, conducting the elementary-age trombone choir and leading the jazz/improvisation clinic.

Kurt also maintains a low brass studio of driven musicians in the Chicagoland area and online. Kurt’s teaching philosophy prioritizes fostering a holistic approach to practice and performance through solid fundamentals, active listening, and exploring one’s own unique musicality. His students consistently achieve high marks in solo competitions, as well as earning All-County and All-State distinctions.

Kurt owes his career to the many mentors that he has interacted with during his studies, including Dr. Hal Reynolds, Timothy Smith, Dr. Mallory Thompson, Michael Dease, and countless others.