Piano Lessons in Lubbock, TX

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
At the conclusion of 4th grade, my elementary music school teacher Ms. R laid out onto a big table all the instruments that make up a wind ensemble. from flute to percussion, to tuba. At this time, I knew my father was a trumpet player so the ever rebellious me didn't want to pick that, but still I was familiar enugh with the brass family to know that is where I wanted to be, not so much in the woodwind or percussion sector. Then I saw the trombone laid out on its side. with its giant gleaming bell and look; no valves! Or buttons! I thought it was so unique and interesting, and lo, I choose the trombone.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
A few come to mind. The first, my sophomore year at high school, our high school's jazz band came in 2nd place at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival here in Boston. I come from a small town without a big music budget so this was a rather big accomplishment. Others include playing the solo part from Steve Danyew's Flash Black, a piece for trombone and wind ensemble when I was at UConn. Performing in such wonderful orchestral pieces in my career like Beethoven 5 and 9, Shostakovich 5, Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and so many more!

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In my opinion, the hardest thing about the trombone is intonation, or, playing in tune. Because the trombone does not have keys or valves like all other wind instruments, the trombonist has to know exactly where to put the slide to match the pitch of the other instruments who just have to put down a finger. The other difficult aspect of the trombone (that comes later) is knowing how to read the multiple clefs that composers write for trombone. Trombonists need to know Bass, Alto, and Tenor clef.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I tend to adapt to whatever the young student is working on through their school. If I do have a choice, however, I do tend to land towards the Rubank series (Elementary through Advanced) for young students. I do like the standard of Excellence books as well, which I know many public schools use. The other important book for all brass players in my opinion is the Arban studies book. This book has all the information needed for a young player, from how to sit and breath, to how to read notation and rhythm.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session begins with positive thoughts and reflection and some brief stretching of the limbs to be as loose as possible. I ten move on to some warm ups such as long tones and slurs, always with a tuner! Depending on how much time I have, warming up usually takes 25-30 minutes. I then work on any etudes to get the brain working, followed by shedding whatever needs to get done, be that audition materials I need to work up, or solo pieces for the trombone that I play to keep my lips in tip top shape.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece to perform would have to be Tomasi's Concerto for Trombone. When I heard the piece, I immediately knew I wanted to become a professional trombonist.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
The reason I am typing this very paragraph is because of the musical background of my family. My father was a professional trumpet player for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. My mother was an amateur flautist. The remaining tree on my father's side were all professional musicians in both New York, New Jersey, or eastern Europe on such instruments as violin, piano, accordion, and many kantors in synagogues. My paternal grandmother was a singer who at one point in her life was signed to a record deal to capitol records!

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