ATLANTA — Trumpet graduate student Rodrigo Borges González (M.Mu. '25) is completing his time at Georgia State following a standout graduate career defined by performance achievements, ensemble leadership and deep engagement with the School of Music.
A native of Orizaba, Mexico, González is completing his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance while studying with Associate Professor of Trumpet Alexander Freund. During his time at GSU, González embraced a wide range of School of Music opportunities on campus and across the region. He was named winner of the 2024 School of Music Honors Recital, selected as a featured performer for the 2025 Fall Student Showcase and participated in community outreach events, including the Georgia Aquarium Holidays performance. He also performed with the GSU Trumpet Ensemble at the 2024 Georgia Music Educators Conference (GMEA) in Athens, Ga., representing Georgia State on a statewide professional stage.
On the competition circuit, González earned second place at the Charleston International Music Competition in both the 2024 summer and 2025 winter editions along with third place at the International Schubert Competition in Vienna. In 2024, he also performed as principal trumpet with the Lawrenceville Symphony Orchestra, gaining valuable professional orchestral experience beyond his university work.
At Georgia State, González performed regularly as principal trumpet with the GSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the GSU Symphony Orchestra, experiences that helped shape both his artistry and confidence as a performer.
“As a GSU student, I gained countless experiences and pushed my limits in ways I never imagined possible,” he said. “Playing in major ensembles allowed me to grow not only as a musician but also as a person. Being an international student opened my mind in unexpected ways. Along the way, I found lifelong friendships and professors who guided, supported and inspired me at every step. Their impact has shaped who I am today.”
Beyond GSU, González has performed with the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra and participated in masterclasses with Pacho Flores, Jens Lindemann, Romain Leleu, Caleb Hudson and Richard Stoelzel, further broadening his artistic perspective.
Following graduation, González plans to return home to Mexico to be closer to his family while beginning the next phase of his professional career. He will pursue auditions for orchestral and other professional trumpet performance positions, carrying forward the discipline, experience and musical foundation built during his time at Georgia State.