Music Lessons in San Diego, CA

Brian J

Instruments: Trombone

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use specific methods such as etude books, and tuning drones. Arbans work well too, and just simple songs will always get the job done as well!

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Musicality (Phrasing). You need a sense of maturity to understand what makes something sound vocal. Everyone can master the technique, but it's especially unique to find someone who mastered the music.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
It's a tie between winning my audition as 2nd trombonist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and my first time subbing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, one of my students won 1st place in a solo competition, and placed as the 1st (principal) trombonist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I had an i-SPY book with a page of all the brass instruments, and I like all of them very much, but I was really drawn to the trombone because of the slide. I was sold.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I was always inspired myself, and i've know since I was young that I wanted to play the trombone. I did have MANY great teachers along the way that I can't thank enough.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Understand how you want to sound first, and then go as slowly as you need to, to achieve the sound you want. Remember to have fun as well!

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Anyone can start lessons at anytime. It's usually more helpful when a student has a fiery passion for playing a specific instrument and getting better at it.

When will I start to see results?
At the same rate you see your haircut. Patience is really needed to grow at your instrument, because you won't see growth immediately, but when you look back in time, you'll clearly see improvement.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Warm-up, and hitting all of the fundementals. It's always good to check high, low, loud, soft, fast, slow, phrasing, technique, intonation, sound, articulation, and to listen! I always consider listening to count towards your practice!

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have two music degrees in performance. While I was in that degree, I took classes in education as well. I chose performing because that's what kept me going the whole time. I love performing and listening to others perform.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I love Respighi, he is my favorite composer, and I can't tell you exactly why I like his music, but I connect to it. I like pretty much all of his music, but I especially like his Pines of Rome, and Fountains of Rome.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I can't see myself doing anything else. If I had to do something else, it might be related to animals because I am a huge dog lover.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Classical, but not your standard Mozart/Beethoven. I like the "heavy metal" version of classical music: Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Bartok, Tchaikovsky. I Do really like Bach as well!

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing the piano, but it never really was something I enjoyed studying. I then moved to guitar and quickly to bass guitar. Bass guitar was a lot of fun for me, and it wasn't until I started trombone where I knew that was the one that would stick.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music barley runs in my family, although I do have a cello playing aunt who is a professional music teacher, and her uncle was a famous percussionist with the New York Philharmonic.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I didn't really decide. My band director mentioned that I should pursue performing professionally when I was in 9th grade, and my private trombone teacher really pushed me to be a trombone performer when I was in 10th grade.

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