Keith Karns

Keith Karns is a trumpet player, arranger, bandleader, and jazz educator based in the Pacific Northwest. He has worked with some of the leading voices in jazz including Rich Perry, Stefon Harris, Greta Matassa, Lauren Sevian, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, and Benny Golson.


Keith's big band has toured nationally and has recorded two CDs of his original compositions and arrangements. He has received awards from the National Trumpet Competition, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Downbeat Magazine, and the Jazz Education Network (JEN).


Keith has taught at the University of North Texas, North Central Texas College, Western Oregon University, and Central Washington University. He holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Indiana University, and the University of North Texas. His teachers include John Harbaugh, Robert Baca, Joey Tartell, Pat Harbison, David Baker, Bill Adam, Jay Saunders, Rich DeRosa, and John Murphy.

Keith performs on a custom trumpet built by Fred Powell. He is a Torpedo Bags performing artist and uses Torpedo Bags to transport and protect all of his trumpets.