Luke J Spence
Assistant Professor: Trumpet
Dr. Luke Spence leads a dynamic career as a performer, recording artist, educator, and arts advocate. Since 2022, he has served on the faculty of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he is also co-principal trumpet of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a member of the Potsdam Brass Quintet. Additionally, he performs with the innovative ensemble Anima Brass and is a sponsored artist for S.E. Shires Co. and Denis Wick Products.
Recognized for his expressive playing, Spence has been hailed by Fanfare Magazine for his "great artistry," described as "exquisite" by the International Trumpet Guild Journal, and called "a true expert in phrasing" by the NACWPI Journal. His debut solo album 20th Century Art Songs was named a silver medalist for the 2025 Global Music Awards and a finalist for the 2023 American Prize. With Anima Brass, Spence can be heard on All Life Long, an album featuring the music of acclaimed post-minimalist composer Kali Malone. Upon its release, All Life Long was named Pitchfork's "Best New Album," The Guardian's "Album of the Week," rose to the #4 spot on Billboard's Classical Crossover chart, and received a Swedish Grammy nomination for Classical Album of the Year. In recent years, Spence has performed for sold-out crowds at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, toured throughout the U.S., Europe, and China, and performed with groups including the National Philharmonic and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra.
A firm believer in music's power to inspire social change, Spence serves as General Manager and a founding board member of the International Pride Orchestra (IPO), a nonprofit organization that unites LGBTQIA+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQIA+ causes. During WorldPride 2025, IPO presented a landmark concert at Strathmore Concert Hall after being disinvited from the Kennedy Center. Spence also serves as a mentor for the International Women's Brass Conference Mentorship Program. He previously served as Co-Chair of the International Trumpet Guild's Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where he helped establish the Langston J. Fitzgerald III Legacy Scholarship and worked to increase visibility for underrepresented groups at ITG's annual conferences.
Dr. Spence holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Oberlin Conservatory.