About

Justin Espiritu is an emerging conductor, educator, trumpet performer, and creative media creator based in Tempe, Arizona, where he is pursuing a degree in Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Espiritu’s musical journey began at an early age, first exploring singing and guitar before discovering the trumpet at 12. He is a proud alumnus of the ever-growing Keys Conservatory in Henderson, Nevada, where he has been involved since its founding in 2019.

Espiritu is an active trumpet performer currently studying with internationally renowned soloist and Canadian Brass trumpeter, Professor Josef Burgstaller. Prior to his studies at Arizona State University, he studied with Mr. David Shepard and earned Principal Trumpet in the 2024 Nevada Music Educators Association All-State Festival, along with two consecutive Command Performance honors in the brass category.

He regularly performs with professional and collegiate ensembles including The Desert Winds, Salt River Brass, and Arizona State University’s top rotation ensembles. His recent performance highlights include appearances at the 2025 International Midwest Clinic in Chicago and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Espiritu began his conducting career at 14 while studying at the Keys Conservatory. By 16, he made his professional conducting debut with The Desert Winds, marking an early milestone that inspired his lifelong commitment to music education and leadership on the podium. His conducting experience spans a diverse range of ensembles and levels, including the award-winning Sloan Canyon High School Wind Ensemble, The Desert Winds, Sloan Canyon Middle School Symphonic Band, Sloan Canyon Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona State University Trumpet Ensemble, the Salt River Youth Brass Band, and the People’s Community Orchestra in Tempe. In 2023, he was awarded the Maestro Award at the WorldStrides Anaheim Heritage Festival as a guest conductor with the Sloan Canyon & St. Rose Combined Concert Band.

A passionate educator, Espiritu also began teaching at age 14 as a student teacher for the Sloan Canyon Beginning Band. Since then, he has worked with students and ensembles across a wide range of levels, from beginners to advanced high school ensembles. He currently teaches a private trumpet studio and works with organizations including the Salt River Youth Brass Band and Rosie’s House in Downtown Phoenix. He will also serve as the High Brass Instructor for the Highland Highschool Marching Band in the Fall of 2026.

In addition to his work as a musician, Espiritu is an active content creator and serves as the Social Media Manager for Arizona State University’s Wind Bands program and the Making Music Matter Foundation. In these roles, he has expanded audience engagement, contributing to significant growth and concert promotion across ASU Wind Bands and Making Music Matter Foundation social media platforms. His content highlights student achievements, provides behind-the-scenes insight into the rehearsal process, and promotes a positive, connected community within the wind band medium. On his personal platform, @trumpetbyjustin, he shares his recent happenings, educational content, and glimpses into his daily life as a music student.

Outside of music, Justin loves to spend time with his family and friends, play pickleball, and staying active through fitness.