Dr. A. Keith Amstutz received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Michigan State University and his Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. He studied extensively with Byron L. Autrey, Col. Earl D. Irons and John J. Haynie. Prior to joining the USC faculty in 1973, Dr. Amstutz taught at the University of Texas-Arlington, the University of North Texas, and the University of Kansas. A nationally known recitalist and clinician, Dr. Amstutz has appeared at universities and music conventions in 29 states. For fourteen years, he performed as Principal Trumpet of the South Carolina Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras, the Columbia Lyric Theater Orchestra and as a member of the Jimmy Farr Big Band.

“A Videofluorographic Study of the Teeth Aperture, Instrument Pivot and Tongue Arch and Their Influence on Trumpet Performance,” Dr. Amstutz's videofluorographic research, remains the most in-depth study of the functions of the oral cavity organs during trumpet performance. Dr. Amstutz holds the patent on BRACEGUARD™, the orthodontic shield for instrumentalists with braces. BRACEGUARD was introduced in 1983 and is distributed worldwide. His publications also include two commercial albums of trumpet solo literature.

Dr. Amstutz established the USC Community Music Program in 1979, and in 1990 he created the USC All-State Recording Project. The USC Trumpet Ensemble, which Dr. Amstutz founded in 1973, has performed throughout the state and appeared at conferences of the Music Educators National Conference, the International Trumpet Guild and the annual Governors Carolighting. Students from Dr. Amstutz's studio have been winners and finalists in the Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Artist Competition and semi-finalists in the National Trumpet Competition. Dr. Amstutz is a 2007 recipient of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Orpheus Award.

Dr. Amstutz retired from the School of Music in 2007.