Andrew W
Instruments: Voice, Trumpet, French Horn
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Musical Theater, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Andrew W
Instruments: Voice, Trumpet, French Horn
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Blues, Musical Theater, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
Studied music education and trumpet performance at Las Positas College and at Weber State University.
2005 - bank of america outstanding musician award 2009, 2010 - 2 time Drum corps international world class champion
I love music! I started playing when I was just 5 years old, but I didn't start my own trumpet studio until I was in high school. I grew up in Livermore, California and participated in as many musical ensembles as I could. By the time I graduated Livermore High School, I had performed in several musicals, plays, choirs, and was a featured soloist in both the band and choir programs. This success inspired me to start my own trumpet studio. After I graduated high shool, I attended Las Positas Community College to further pursue my education in the musical realm. I quickly adapted to the new environment where, once again, I was a featured soloist in the band and choir programs. While I was there, I continued grow my brass and singing abilities as well as my studio. My teaching career began as a Visual Caption Consultant for Livermore High School in 2004. Since that time, I has also served as visual Consultant for several high schools in California and in Utah. In 2007, I took a position with the Blue Devils “C” Drum and Bugle Corps as Visual Concept and Marching Instructor as well as a Brass Hornline Instructor. I also served as Marching and Visual Concept Instructor for the Blue Devils “B” Drum and Bugle Corps in 2010, helping them win their second DCI World Champion title, the DCI Open Class Visual Performance and General Effect Titles as well as the DCI Fan Network Choice Award. In 2011, I accepted the position of Visual Caption Head with Weber State Indoor Percussion and helped them win back to back Outstanding Visual Caption awards at the Intermountain Percussion Association Championships. I also trained the 2010 Drum Corps International Drum Majors of the Year for both Open and World Class. After securing two Drum Corps International World Champion titles (BDB 2009 and 2010), I moved to Utah to further study music education at Weber State University. Once there, I used Utah as a base to extend my music repertoire. Having performed with several different Utah groups, including the Weber State orchestras, wind ensemble, and jazz band, Chamber Orchestra Ogden, and others, in 2016, I became an arranger and performing member of the High West Music ensemble. In the fall of 2016, I accepted a teaching position with The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps in Salt Lake City, UT where I taught both brass and visual.
I have been teaching music professionally for well over a decade and pride myself in knowing that I give my students all of the tools they need to succeed. Encouraging regular practice is essential to progress and improve on personal technique - both for me and my students. Because I expect my students to practice their individual assigned material, I practice it at home as well. I have found that teaching by example generated some incredible results. Even though I teach a wide array of musical stiles, every lesson will include the fundamentals and instrumental approach. Posture and Breathing are critical to emphasize every time we pick up our instrument. No matter what we are performing, this always applies and will be addressed as need be. MOST IMPORTANTLY, if my students and I are not smiling and having fun, then I'm doing something wrong! Although I expect students to do their best and strive for excellence, I like to keep things educationally fun and entertaining. I teach through positive reinforcement and musical passion.
I use my own technique exercises that I write and cater for each of my students. I am a huge fan of the Arban's technique book for brass, but I like to keep lessons fun with songs that challenge my students at their level. Once the student has progressed to the intermediate level - solid fundamentals, musicianship, and a desire for learning - I introduce solo repertoire. These solo pieces range from simple etudes to full orchestral arrangements for their specific instrument. No matter my student's ability level, I pride myself in creating a fun environment reflecting the personality and goals of the individual student all while simultaneously keeping it conducive to learning.
Everyone learns and masters music at their own pace. Light bulb moments are the moments for which I live! Nothing says, "I am learning," like seeing a student understand a concept or command a new ability for the first time. I set realistic goals and help guide my students towards their goals. I keep my lessons relaxed but full of energy. A huge fan of positive reinforcement, I do my best to make sure that I give a complement or praise before I make any correction. This helps reinforce the subconscious to help the student keep doing the compliment (the brain releases dopamine when you are happy and succeed). I love to have fun, and the lesson will be full of positive reinforcement while maintaining a high standard for success.
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