Noah Dugan is from Phoenix, Arizona. He holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, the Colburn School, and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. His primary teachers include Jim Benitez, Benny Nguyen, David Bilger, Jim Wilt, Barbara Butler, and Charlie Geyer.

Noah joined the Louisville Orchestra as Second Trumpet in 2022 and became Principal Trumpet in 2023. He has appeared as guest principal with the Oslo Philharmonic and Phoenix Symphony, and as co-principal of the Cabrillo Festival for Contemporary Music. He has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and the Britt Festival Orchestra.

He is a recipient of multiple grants from the Sphinx Organization and the Presser Foundation, the latter supporting a transformative middle ear implant for his congenital sensorineural hearing loss.

What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?

I enjoy playing challenging new works, it keeps me on my toes and forces me to grow as a musician in new ways. I enjoy playing with my colleagues, I learn from them every week, and we have an amazing time playing together!

In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?

Our Music Without Borders series allows to continue to reach people that might possibly otherwise feel intimidated or unwelcome in a concert hall setting. I think this series allows audiences to connect more with us as human beings, and when that barrier is down and the audience is comfortable, we can really make a difference in people’s souls with our collective musical power.

What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?  

I love the music of Richard Strauss, the writing is fiercely difficult and incredibly fun! The most haunting and sweet melodies are juxtaposed by challenging 2-3 second passages that are possibly not going to be heard anyway by the average audience member. Strauss is great fun for all!

What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?  

I was born with severe hearing loss in both ears, and doctors initially thought I was inattentive! While my mom was in nursing school, she conducted a hearing test of her own and discovered my hearing loss.

What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?

I enjoy learning new things, currently trying my hand at learning the Irish language.

What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?

Charles Ives, Songs My Mother Taught Me