November 17, 2025

MSM comes up big at prestigious Caruso Jazz Trumpet Competition with four of five finalists — including alumnus Austin Ford, first prize

MSM talent dominated the recent 2025 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition: MSM alumnus Austin Ford (MM ’24) won first prize, and three of the remaining four finalists are also from the MSM Community: alumni Geoff Gallante (BM ’22) and Stéphane Clémente (BM ’23); and current student Carter Eng (MM ’26).

The official photo (above) of the finalist line-up reveals just how dramatically MSM dominated this year’s Caruso Competition, which is considered one of the most prestigious titles in jazz performance. This year’s finalists from right to left are:

  • MSM current student Carter Eng (MM ’26), finalist, originally from Seattle, Washington
  • MSM alumnus Stéphane Clémente (BM ’23), finalist, originally from Miami, Florida
  • MSM alumnus Geoff Gallante (BM ’22), finalist, originally from Alexandria, Virginia
  • MSM alumnus Austin Ford (MM ’24), WINNER, originally from Portland, Oregon
  • On far left is finalist Andrew Stephens (second prize), originally from Sacramento, California

In addition to MSM representation in this grouping of finalists, many semi-finalists in the competition were also MSM alumni. The competition was held at the University of North Texas on October 25. Finalists competed for prize money, including $10,000 for first prize and $5,000 for second prize.

MSM alumnus and competition finalist Stéphane Clémente in rehearsal at the event

The three MSM alumni finalists studied at MSM with Nadje Noordhuis, Scott Wendholt, and Jon Faddis. Current student Carter Eng studies at MSM with Ingrid Jensen, who performed and held a master class at the competition.

MSM alumnus Geoff Gallante, competition finalist

The finalists were chosen through a blind audition process by a three-person panel that included Billy Buss and two past Caruso winners, Marquis Hill and Benny Benack III (BM ’13, MM ’15). The competition’s namesake, musician and teacher Carmine Caruso, was considered one of the world’s greatest brass instructors.

This year’s esteemed jury included:

  • Nicholas Payton, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter
  • Ingrid Jensen, internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, MSM faculty member, and a 1995 Caruso winner
  • Terell Stafford,  internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter & educator

More information on the competition can be found here.

MSM student and finalist Carter Eng in rehearsal before the competition

MSM faculty member Ingrid Jensen gives a trumpet master class at the competition.

Watch the awards ceremony here:

    Email This Page

    Email Message

    Page Reference
    (will be sent in email)