Bartels, Cole

Biography

A native of Moorhead, MN, Dr. Cole Bartels was appointed Assistant Professor of Trombone at Central Michigan University in 2023 where he teaches applied trombone, conducts the CMU Trombone Choir, coaches brass chamber music, and teaches courses in music technology and jazz studies. He previously taught at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and Concordia University Wisconsin. In addition to his academic work, Bartels maintains an active performing career as a versatile freelance trombonist, appearing in classical, jazz, popular, and contemporary music settings.

As the recipient of several awards and grants including the 2026 University of Tennessee '40 Under 40' Alumni Award, the 2021 American Prize 'Earnst Bacon Award', and the 2020 MOZAIK Philanthropy ‘Future Art Award’, among other accolades, Bartels has committed himself to the intense study and performance of contemporary music, and has performed as soloist and chamber musician at universities around the country, and at major conferences including the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, and the College Music Society National Conference. His debut solo album entitled ‘On the Brink’ was released in April 2022 by cmntx records, featuring an eclectic mix of new music for trombone.

Dr. Bartels continues to seek out opportunities to expand and develop the trombone repertory. Recent collaborators include: Zoe Cutler, Brian Mark, Jorge Variego, Brianna Ware, and Vicki Leona Nguyen, among others. Throughout the 2026/27 academic year, Bartels will be performing a brand new concerto "Voyage to the Light" for trombone and band written by Chris Evan Hass - this project is being funded by a generous grant from Central Michigan University. His long time creative endeavor with the Beltline Bones involves an evening length concert of cutting edge electro-acoustic music written for trombone quartet. The Beltline Bones released 'Audiogenica' in March 2024 on cmntx records and "Technological Eclipse" in August 2026 on New Focus Recordings. The group tours extensively each year, and is continually seeking out opportunities to perform, educate, and collaborate.

He has had the distinct pleasure of performing with a wide array of ensembles and artists. Some recent highlights include touring with the NYChillharmonic and Aberdeen, performing with Bill Frisell and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, and appearances with the legendary salsa artists Los Adolescentes, Tony Vega, and Willie Gonzales. Dr. Bartels has also appeared with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, among other orchestras throughout the midwest.

Dr. Bartels holds degrees in trombone performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (DMA ’22), the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (MM ’19), and Concordia College (BM ’17), with additional certifications in jazz studies and music theory pedagogy. His primary teachers included Mark Hetzler, Dr. Alex van Duuren, Dr. Nat Dickey, and Dr. Ed Huttlin. Outside of his musical career, Cole enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and their two cats.