Jack Caruso

Jack Caruso is the grandson of Carmine Caruso, considered one of the world's greatest trumpet teachers. Brass players from Europe, Canada, Mexico and South America left their homes and came to New York to study with Carmine. Known as "The Master Teacher", Carmine had a reputation for being able to help improve players that were just starting out, those who had detoured talents, and players who already performed well. The list of Carmine's students reads like a "Who's Who" and some of them referred to Carmine as the patron saint of brass players. One famous Hollywood record producer and trumpet celebrity would phone Carmine once a week from California for his trumpet lesson. That person was Herb Alpert. In 1975, Herb Alpert released his 19th album (Coney Island) and one of the songs on the album is affectionately titled "Carmine". The bottom of the album jacket reads: Special thanks to our trumpet teacher and New York friend, Carmine Caruso. Carmine and Herb formed a long lasting friendship until Carmine's untimely passing on May 26, 1987. Although he may no longer be with us physically, Carmine's legacy will live forever in so many ways. The Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition is held every two years, and sponsored by the International Trumpet Guild in cooperation with the Herb Alpert Foundation. Carmine's teachings have always been very influential and today are part of the mainstream for brass pedagogy.