Jonathan Andrew Ruff

I did not know Jon, but rather only recently discovered his great videos online. To his family, although it has been some time, I would like to share my condolences and express my gratitude for allowing Jon's videos to remain available for many of us in the trumpet community to learn from. I can tell from the videos that he was a great guy and while I didn't know him, I'm still saddened to know you and the community lost such a great person.

I recently came back to trumpet and decided to check back in with my internet teachers: Charlie Porter, Mr. Lewis...and Jon Ruff. In seeing he hadn't posted in years I did a Googe search and found his obituary. Great sadness over came me. I cannot fathom the grief his friends and family must carry. He IS a good man and I will carry him with me both in music and life.

So sorry to hear about Jon Ruff passing. I remember him when he was in high school and was performing with my brothers, Los Perfidios. I too loss my brother Ron too. This is what Jon said to him: "Dear Lopez Family, My heart goes out to you all. I was rushing through dinner to get to a gig when my wife asked me if I knew Ron Lopez. I read with disbelief the notice of Ron´s passing. Driving to my gig I was overwhelmed with emotion, as I am even now. I would not have been where I was...

What a great teacher. I learned a great deal about trumpet playing and Jon was a great inspiration to me and thousands of others. So sad to lose a man of this calibrate. Rest in peace Jon, we miss you !!

When searching for trumpet instruction on Youtube I came across John's videos which I immediately became a subscriber and began studying his instructions. I found him very knowledgeable, a great trumpet player and a down to earth great guy. I am shocked to have just come across the news of his untimely passing. We have truly lost a wonderful musician and person. Thank you, Mr. Ruff.

One of the best online trumpet practitioners lost to the world. Jon was generous with his knowledge and will be long remembered. Rest in peace Jon !!

I watched a few trumpet instruction videos last night and was so impressed; his forthrightness and integrity came through immediately. His dedication, talent, and humility were abundantly evident. I need this help and he is still here to provide it through his videos. I am very sorry for your loss to all of those who knew him personally.

I have had the honor to play along side with Jon as a trumpet player wit a band from Vacaville named Sapo Guapo. I learned so much playing along side him gaining range with the high note harmonies we would do and playing the Cali state fair for7nights in a row I feel we were on a blazing trail ! I will truly miss this man and his skills. Until we meet again.....

I just stumbled upon Jon’s YouTube videos last week. Being a trumpet player, I always pause and take a look at what other players/teachers have posted. I immediately recognized Jon as one of those rare breed of players who can not only do it, but teach in a way that the student can absorb and learn it, too. I immediately subscribed to his channel, and it wasn’t until moments ago when I was reading the comments from one of his videos that I learned of his death. I am saddened that he was taken...