Greg Hopkins is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 23, 1957, in New York City, United States. From a young age, Hopkins showed a keen interest in music and began playing the trumpet at the age of nine. He was inspired by his father, who was a jazz musician, and his mother, who was a classical pianist. Hopkins attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned trumpet player Carmine Caruso. He also studied with other notable musicians such as William Vacchiano, Vincent Penzarella, and Mel Broiles. Hopkins graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1979. After completing his studies, Hopkins began his professional career as a trumpet player. He played with various orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the American Symphony Orchestra. He also performed with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, and Lionel Hampton. In 1983, Hopkins joined the faculty of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He taught trumpet and jazz composition and arranging at the college for over 30 years. During his tenure at Berklee, Hopkins also served as the chair of the Brass Department and the Jazz Composition Department. Hopkins has also made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer and arranger. He has written numerous pieces for jazz ensembles, big bands, and orchestras. His compositions have been performed by various ensembles, including the Boston Pops Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Hopkins' most notable compositions is his jazz opera, "The Hermitage." The opera tells the story of the life and work of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. The opera premiered in 2001 at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston and received critical acclaim. Hopkins has also received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1995, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Manhattan School of Music. In 2009, he was awarded the Jazz Educator of the Year Award by the Jazz Education Network. In 2015, he was inducted into the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. In addition to his work as a musician and educator, Hopkins is also a published author. He has written several books on jazz composition and arranging, including "Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age" and "The Jazz Composer's Workshop." Hopkins continues to be an active performer, composer, and educator. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He also performs regularly with his own jazz ensemble, the Greg Hopkins Quintet. In conclusion, Greg Hopkins is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His talent as a trumpet player, composer, and arranger has earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Hopkins' dedication to music education has also inspired countless students and musicians. He continues to be a vital force in the world of music and a true inspiration to all who know him.

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