Hacklmusic Trumpet / Flgh Lessons (Classical & Jazz), Music Production & Equipment Optimization

professional trumpet player & maker

developed over the past 30 years my own playing and practicing technique

my teaching methodology how to play brass instruments the most efficient way works for every level and age group

The lip is the sound source that creates a standing airwave within the instrument, and the trumpet functions as a filter and amplifier.

I also developed a unique tongue technique that requires less movement when phrasing notes ( single, double, and triple tongue). Therefore it is faster, requires less effort, is very versatile, usable in any style of music, and is much more accurate in hitting the notes.

If you understand these two aspects and are able to implement them you perform better with practicing less.

I cover all aspects of trumpet playing, including technique, breathing, posture, embouchure, equipment, phrasing, sight-reading, improvisation, high range, endurance, sound quality, live performance, studio work, and repertoire.

I'm teaching in an acoustically calibrated trumpet studio & offer professional recording services to my students. This is an excellent teaching and career tool for listening back and putting demos together.

I'm an award-winning international touring artist and clinician (US, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Tunisia, Indonesia, Finland, Poland, Italy, etc.), hand crafting innovative horns & accessories, artistic director and founder of the Outreach Music Festival & Academy (established 1993), alumnus of the Conservatory of the City of Vienna (Austria) & Manhattan School of Music (Masters Degree)

Biography Franz:

The Early Years

A visionary and pioneer in his field, Franz Hackl Sr. dedicated his life to music. A child prodigy, he set the course of his life’s work at a very early age and embarked on a journey that would forever empower the trumpet soloist.

1966, Franz Hackl Sr. and his childhood sweetheart and wife, welcomed home Franz Hackl Jr. - Franzi was born. Like his father, Franzi developed a love for music at a very early age. And, whether it was nature or, nurture, his technical abilities and his passion for his father’s instrument was distinct and unmistakeable. At the tender age of 11, Franzi was an accomplished soloist and began performing at the age of 14 with the world-renowned Austrian brass band, Original Tiroler Kaiserjägermusik. And, at the age of 15, Franzi kicked-off his first international tour.

Later in Life

Franzi explored multiple music genres and became captivated with the sounds of an American original – Jazz. The complexities, the rhythms, the conversation. It was, as Franzi realized, a dialogue among fellow performers – for all the world to witness and bask in. Franzi proceeded to become an alumnus of the Conservatory of the City of Vienna. In 1990, Franzi decided to further pursue his jazz soloist ambitions and he moved to New York to play and study. He received an M.S. degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with trumpet legend, Lew Soloff. And, in 2002, after moving to his new home in Harlem – he realized his dream to be in the heart of the cultural and music capital of New York.

After frequent collaborations with leading international artists in the field of Jazz, he began to focus on composition and leading his own projects. His stylistic versatility grew to include works for full orchestra, chamber groups, choral works, and multi-media events. He was commissioned to write original music for the “Year of the Mountains” launch event at the United Nations in New York, Trialog @ Hangar 7 (Red Bull), the opening of the Austrian Cultural Forum in New York, as well as composing for numerous international festivals and ensembles such as Tiroler Festspiele, European Forum Alpbach, Klangspuren, Festival der Regionen, and the Absolute Ensemble.

Franz is a Col Legno Artist, a leading record label in the contemporary music field. Today, Franzi leads the Franz Hackl Outreach Orchestra and the Franz Hackl IDO Quartet. Franzi also leads the Franz Hackl Outreach Orchestra in Austria. He co-leads B3+ with Dave Taylor on bass trombone and John Clark on French horn, Franz Hackl & Mino Cinelu Duo, and Franz Hackl & Michael Wolff Duo. Franzi also collaborates with Composers Concordance, is a member of Sound Liberation with Gene Pritsker, and groups led by trombone legend, Craig Harris.

Outreach Music Festival

In 1993 Franzi founded Outreach Music, a trendsetting annual three-day music festival and year round academy that inspires musicians of all levels to expand their artistic vision, in his hometown of Schwaz, Austria. A celebration of music and the arts, the Outreach Music festival is hosted in picturesque surroundings, featuring world-renowned artists and performers. The academy achieved global appeal and is attended by patrons from around the world.

Each year, fifteen ensembles perform original compositions specifically written for the unique theme of each year’s festival. Every festival celebrates 15 world premieres and features leading virtuosos from around the globe, including Europe, USA, South America, and Asia. Rooted in jazz, performances bridge together artists from multiple genres, including, jazz, baroque, classical, contemporary classical, progressive rock, folk music, and world music.

The first and last concert of the festival combines music, visual arts, and the spoken word. The visual spoken word music concert serves as our opening speech.

The Academy

The Outreach Music Academy is the most comprehensive summer workshop offering in Austria. Two hundred classes are offered that cover a multitude of topics, including music theory and technical advancement. Thirty-five international teaching artists lead focus groups, covering multiple skill levels and age groups. Franzi leads the Master Class workshop series.

Brass Instrument Design and Manufacture

Founded in 1965 by Franz Hackl Sr., one of Europe’s elite brass instrument design and manufacturers was born. Handcrafted using the finest materials, Hackl Music produces its instruments today using the same techniques developed over 50 years ago. Custom made, each instrument is hand molded and assembled to strict specifications and individually customized to each performer’s requirements. Using their combined knowledge and experience, Franz Sr. and Franzi continuously improve upon both the design and build of their product by leveraging from the latest technologies and, of course, their intimate knowledge of the horns that only a musician can fully appreciate and understand.

Awards & Accolades

Ganz Woche Preisträger Award received as a young artist

Verdienstkreuz Land Tirol Award received from the state of Tirol and is one of the highest honors that an artist can receive for their contributions to the performing arts

Performance Venues

Franzi performs at world renowned venues, including Jazz Standard (as a leader), Blue Note, Birdland, and Sweet Basil, to name a few. For the past 30 years he has toured the international festival circuit and a multitude of concert halls, including performances in Portugal, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Tunisia, Brazil, USA, Denmark, Romania, Poland, Switzerland, Finland, and Estonia.

Franzi is a great proponent of cross-over projects. One of the most successful and influential projects included ‘The Spoken Word & Musical Collage production “Freiheit-brennende Liebe“, featuring one of Europe’s leading actors, Tobias Moretti and the baroque orchestra „modern_times 1800“. Franzi composed two orchestral works for these concerts, which premiered at the Theater an der Wien, Austria - where many of Beethoven’s works were premiered - and additional performances were given at major venues, including Tonhalle Düsseldorf, Germany and at Dogana, in Innsbruck, Austria.

Today, Franzi continues to lead crossover projects with members of the Vienna Philharmonic, combining traditional Austrian brass music with jazz, classical and contemporary classical music, film music, and show tunes.

I love it that my system works very well for all levels and age groups.

Currently, my youngest student is 8 years old, and my oldest one is 76. They are an inspiring mixture of beginners, music majors, comeback players, intermediate players, professionals, music teachers, members of brass bands, elementary - middle and high school students.

I find it very exciting developing the best individual practice methods for each trumpet player based on his/her experience, talent, style of music, practice time available & short and long term goals.

I also enjoy very much advising and custom fitting the perfect equipment setup, so it works perfectly with your playing style.

It's all about the music, and the more efficient you play the horn, the more you can focus on the music.

I enjoy the challenges and inspiring experience being a part of your journey, becoming the best musician you can be.