Russell Scharf is currently one of the busiest freelance trumpeters in the Southwest. Born and raised in Santa Fe, NM, Russell was exposed to many types of music at an early age. While still in high school he was lucky enough to perform classical music and jazz around the country with such artists as Bobby McFerrin and Chris Vadala.

Russell’s collegiate studies at Carnegie Mellon University exposed him to professional orchestral performance as well as the East Coast Scene. He performed professionally in orchestras in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York during his time in Pittsburgh, as well as seeing and studying with some of the finest performers in the world.

As a musician for Celebrity Cruise Lines Russell was able to travel to the other side of the world, getting to Australia, New Zealand, and Bora Bora. Since his return to New Mexico Russell has become a member of groups ranging from Hip Hop and Reggae to traditional Salsa and Latin Jazz. He composes music for many of the groups that keep him busy performing, however the majority of his music is more Jazz oriented.

Russell is constantly striving to reach new heights both in his composition and his performance level. Making music is a lifetime path, and he looks forward to performing for you in the future.