Christopher Lair

Private Instruction in Tuba and Euphonium. A native Missouri resident, Dr. Christopher Lair began his musical career and graduated from Perryville High School where he was a member of the McDonald's All-American High School Band. He subsequently earned the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The University of Kansas, the Doctor of Music degree from The Florida State University, and studied music education at Southeast Missouri State University. At Evangel University, Dr. Lair is currently instructor of tuba and euphonium, member of the Facutly Brass Quintet, and founder and director of the Evangel tuba-euphonium ensemble. He also holds the position of assistant director with the Evangel University Marching Band.

Dr. Lair is active locally, nationally, and abroad. He is founder and director of a community tuba-euphonium ensemble, which includes performers from several universities, high schools, and other community members. He is also founder and artistic director of the Springfield Brass Choir, a group of world class performers and educators who give free concerts and clinics with the sponsorship of the Hoover Music Company. He has performed as a soloist, orchestral musician, and military bandsman across the United States and Central America. He frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator for such organizations as the International Tuba Euphonium Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, and numerous public schools and universities.

In addition to his duties with Evangel University, he has taught at several universities and colleges such as Missouri State University, Drury University, Ozarks Technical Community College, Southeast Missouri State University, and Florida State University. He has also taught middle school bands, youth orchestras, and coached a variety of chamber music ensembles. His music appreciation textbook, Savoring Sounds, was published in 2010 with Cognella Academic Publishing. His recent scholarship also includes presentations on music of the Great Depression Era and a collection of arrangements for solo tuba and / or euphonium and piano of works by early American composers. He is the author of a series of method books for beginning and intermediate tubists and euphoniumists titled Journeys; A Methodical Approach for the Young Tubist (Euphoniumist). He has commissioned, arranged, and premiered several new pieces for brass quintet, tuba-euphonium ensemble, and tuba solo.

His applied low brass students have won numerous honors, including selection as finalists and winners in regional, state, and national competitions sponsored by such organizations as The Music Teachers National Association and The International Tuba Euphonium Association. They have been selected as finalists in auditions for premiere military bands and symphony orchestras. His students have also appeared on NPR's radio show “From the Top”, in ensembles such as the I.T.E.A. All-Star Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, and frequently participate in a variety of festivals such as Boston's Tanglewood Institute, The Symphonia Workshop, The Brevard Music Center, and The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Dr. Lair resides in Lebanon, MO with his wonderful wife Sharla, and son Jackson where they enjoy the beautiful wildlife surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.

For further information, you can contact Dr. Lair directly at