Brooks B
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Mariachi
Brooks B
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Mariachi
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BA, University of Oregon, Humanities, minor in Music MS in Education, University of New Haven
Awards:
2005- Performed with Thomas Mapfumo at Live 8
2013- Performed with Thomas Mapfumo at Zankel Hall (Carnegie Hall)
Overview:
Teaching music is one of my greatest joys. I love being able to help students of all ages unlock the mysteries of playing music. I have been playing the trumpet since age 10, and after graduating from the University of Oregon in 2001, I auditioned to play for Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited from Zimbabwe. For the next ten years, I toured North America, Europe and Africa. When I wasn't on the road with Thomas and the band, I led my own jazz groups, played in Salsa and Hip-Hop acts, and taught trumpet and trombone lessons in Eugene and Portland, OR. I have recently relocated to West Haven, Connecticut, and I enjoy being so close to New York City, with its vibrant music and arts scene.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching trumpet in 1999. I have studied with: Lin Biviano (Buddy Rich, Lawrence Welk, Woody Herman) Larry Hudson (Rouge Valley Symphony), George Recker (Lincoln Center, Eugene Symphony), David Bender (Eugene Symphony), and I have taken individual lessons from Fred Sauter (Oregon Symphony) and Charles Schluter (Chigaco Symphony) I studied piano and Jazz Theory with Toby Konigsberg, recording artist and Jazz piano instructor at the University of Oregon. I have found that my experience as a performer in Jazz, Pop and Classical music has deeply informed my teaching. I have played in orchestras, brass quintets, small and big jazz groups, Salsa groups, pop and R&B groups, and with Thomas Mapfumo.
METHODS USED
For trumpet and trombone, I focus on helping the student to develop a consistent warm-up routine and practice routine. I use my own hybrid method that is based on the classic trumpet repertoire, including Arban, Clark, Stamp, Ba-Lin, and Schlossberg. I use my own hybrid because it is simple, effective, and accessible for students of all ages. When it comes to Jazz Improvisation, I use the piano extensively to help students to learn the theory behind the music. I believe that a working knowledge of the piano is an essential aspect for any instrumentalist. Through lessons, I help students improve their tone, technique, sight-reading, and improvisational style.
LESSON STYLE
Over the years, I have taught private lessons for kids and adults, and held clinics and masterclasses at public schools in Portland and Eugene. After almost 15 years of teaching, I can affirm that no two people learn the same! Therefore, my teaching style is 100% student focused. I offer a wealth of material in all genres, so I can understand what kind of music the student really loves, and then go from there. I love playing music and performing in front of crowds, and my primary goal is to foster that same passion in my students. I believe that music lessons should always be fun!
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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