Music is encounter – with the instrument, with fellow musicians, and with the audience. My work explores this dynamic field between stage and teaching studio, between composition and improvisation, between personal expression and collective creation.
The trumpet is my instrument – but even more, it is my voice. As a jazz trumpeter, I navigate between tradition and modernity, combining the power and precision of a lead player with the expressive freedom of a soloist. The flugelhorn serves as my second voice: an intimate, lyrical extension of my musical expression.
My musical studies led to a Master of Music degree with studies in Stuttgart, Bern, and Mannheim, learning from mentors such as Bert Joris, Prof. Stephan Zimmermann, Christian Meyers, and Thomas Vogel. Since September 2018, I have been the lead trumpeter and soloist with the Polizeiorchester Niedersachsen. My artistic spectrum ranges from classic big band jazz to contemporary compositions and crossover projects that explore new sonic boundaries.
What drives me is stylistic versatility – from Duke Ellington and Bach to Sting, from Louis Armstrong and Freddie Hubbard to Maurice André. Virtuosity is just as important to me as phrasing, and technical excellence as essential as emotional depth.
As artistic director of the Clean, Fine & Funky Big Band, I lead an ambitious jazz ensemble in Hanover with over 40 years of history. Our approach goes beyond concert performances: we collaborate with school big bands, hold rehearsals at the Käthe-Kollwitz-Schule, and open our sessions to students and music enthusiasts. Jazz combined with education is our core claim.
In parallel, I present original compositions with my quartet and quintet: energetic, modern, featuring complex harmonies, alongside lyrical and colorful soundscapes. My compositions are tailored to challenge and highlight the individual strengths of each band member.
Additionally, I regularly work as a guest conductor and arranger to inspire ensembles and bring musical visions to life.
My artistic work is a continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation, composition and improvisation, and individual expression and collective energy.
In my teaching, music remains at the heart of instrumental training. One learns the trumpet to make music. Beyond technical excellence and tone flexibility, ear training, harmony, and music theory are essential components of my lessons. Equally important to me is developing artistic personality – stage etiquette and treating music as a living art. Above all stands the joy of playing.
At the Käthe-Kollwitz-Schule, I lead an open jazz ensemble giving young musicians room to develop creativity and master improvisation. I also conduct regular workshops on jazz improvisation, big band playing, lead trumpet techniques, breathing, and brass methodology.
My educational work connects technique with expression, theory with practice, and supports both personal growth and ensemble playing.
I offer both in-person lessons in Hanover and online instruction via Jamulus.
The jazzkollektiv hannover formed during the pandemic with Achim Kück (piano), Timo Warnecke (drums), and Sebastian Bauer (double bass). I play trumpet and flugelhorn. The ensemble focuses on contemporary jazz, modern composers, and distinct European jazz repertoire.
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Since 2024, I have led the Clean, Fine & Funky Big Band in Hanover. Originating from the Hanover Music School, it now operates as an independent non-profit association. As artistic director, I curate programs, conduct rehearsals, and lead concert performances.
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The Käthe-Kollwitz-Schule ensemble is an open project for high school students interested in jazz, improvisation, harmony, and ear training. I direct weekly rehearsals and prepare the band for concerts, competitions, and jam sessions.
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Alongside my position with the Polizeiorchester Niedersachsen, I work as a freelance jazz soloist, lead trumpeter, and studio musician. Engagements range from jazz clubs and concert halls to churches, festivals, and open-air events.
We use Jamulus, a specialized software for online music lessons. Unlike Zoom or Skype, Jamulus is designed specifically for real-time music performance with ultra-low latency.
Windows: Download at jamulus.io (Note: Choose ASIO4ALL driver!).
macOS: Download .dmg file at jamulus.io.
Enter server address in Jamulus under "Connect": clausloehr.de or 87.106.183.172:22124
Claus Michael Löhr
Fehrsweg 1D, 30655 Hanover, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 151 419 32 450
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