Daniel Lee Zehringer, D.M.A.
Daniel Zehringer
Professor and Director of Outreach and Engagement for Fine and Performing Arts
School of Fine and Performing Arts
A229 Creative Arts Center
Office (937)-775-2946
Dr. Dan Zehringer is a dynamic force in the world of music and arts leadership, blending a distinguished career as a classical trumpeter with an unwavering commitment to education, community engagement, and creative innovation. A proud Ohio native and longtime faculty member at Wright State University, Dr. Zehringer currently serves as Professor and Director of Outreach and Engagement for Fine and Performing Arts, a newly envisioned role that allows him to bridge campus, community, and culture through transformative arts programming.
Previously, he served as the inaugural Chair of Wright State’s School of Fine and Performing Arts (2022–2024), following four impactful years as Chair of the School of Music (2018–2022). His leadership has been marked by a forward-thinking approach, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and championing inclusive, meaningful artistic experiences that extend well beyond the stage.
An accomplished classical musician, Zehringer has held principal and section trumpet positions with a wide array of ensembles, including the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Key West Symphony. Comfortable in any genre or venue, he has performed alongside legendary figures from both the classical and pop worlds—sharing the stage with Wynton Marsalis, Doc Severinsen, Itzhak Perlman, James Levine, Aretha Franklin, Wayne Newton, and Dennis DeYoung, among many others.
His artistry has taken him around the globe, presenting recitals and masterclasses across the U.S., Italy, Greece, Japan, China, and Australia. His debut solo classical album, Journeymen’s Songs, released on Navona Records in 2016, earned critical acclaim, followed by his jazz-infused collaboration Horizon Sunset in 2017 on the #Bloomerangs label.
A passionate educator and connector, Dr. Zehringer thrives on working with artists and creatives who are bold, thoughtful, and not afraid to think outside the box. His vision centers on the power of the arts to change lives and create meaningful dialogue in today’s world.
Dr. Zehringer holds a DMA in Trumpet Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a MM from the Eastman School of Music, and a BM in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. Before joining Wright State in 2006, he served on the faculties of Wittenberg and Xavier Universities.
Beyond campus, Dan is deeply invested in the Dayton community. He serves on the Executive Board of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) and is a proud member of the Dayton Rotary Club. He lives in Dayton’s historic Rubicon neighborhood with his husband, Justin Mohler, chef-owner of Salt Block Biscuit Company, and their beloved French bulldog, Sophie. Together, they enjoy restoring their 110-year-old home and escaping to Northern Michigan for peaceful getaways “Up North.”
