Dave Ballou is a trumpet player, composer and educator.
A Professor of Music at Towson University, since 2004, he maintains an
active creative career.
Contact Dave for lessons, workshops and performances at daveb@daveballou.com
Follow Dave on these platforms!
New Release!!! 2/13/26
The for-tet Flat Rat
Shiny Boys Press
A series of compositions for improvisers.
Dave Ballou- trumpet, flugelhorn, compositions
John Dierker- bass clarinet
Adam Hopkins- acoustic bass
Mike Kuhl -percussion
New Release!!! 6/1/26
Tom Teasley/Dave Ballou
Inner Play
“Inner Play is a fully improvised dialogue between percussionist Tom Teasley and trumpeter Dave Ballou — blending adventurous jazz interplay, lyrical improvisation, rhythmic exploration, and global influences into a spontaneous yet deeply connected musical conversation.
Featuring drumset, frame drums, wood percussion, melodica, handpan, trumpet, and flugelhorn, the recording moves between energetic exchange, abstract textures, chamber-jazz intimacy, and moments of deep stillness.
Coming on 6/26/26
Lisa Rich I Still Rise
Lisa Rich- Vocals
Marc Copland- Piano
Drew Gress- Bass
Dave Ballou- Trumpet
Tritone Records
Dave will be teaching at the Litchfield Jazz Camp this year for weeks 3 and 4 (July 12 to the 24th). Please join us for faculty concerts and the Litchfield Jazz Festival July 24 through 25th!