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Aspen Summer Music Festival Fellow 2020
Stockholm Chamber Brass Academy Fellow 2019
Ictus International Solo Competition Finalist 2018
Teaching Assistant @ Penn State University 2016- 2018
Hot Springs Music Festival Fellow 2015, 2016
I received my first major experience teaching at the collegiate level while I was a teaching assistant at Penn State University. From 2016-2018 I taught 15 college students ranging from undeclared freshmen to a 3rd year Physics PhD student. Moving to Southern California, I began teaching at LAMUSART, an arts school serving the community of East Los Angeles, providing quality and affordable lessons and opportunities to students in the area. I encourage students to seek out and create their own performance opportunities. Regardless of experience or disposition to perform in front of crowds, I believe everyone can find joy playing their instrument.
I emphasize meeting the student where they are. Teaching is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal and your lessons will be custom tailored to fit your goals and learning style. I start by taking into account the student’s interests and often arrange and write the music that interests them. For more skilled instrumentalists, I will work with you to establish a practice routine to emphasize my “fundamentals-forward” approach in order to help you succeed in all your endeavors. At the core, making music should be a fun experience and an outlet of self-expression.
I am goal oriented in my own career, so I instill the same mindset in my students. At the beginning of each month, we will have a check-in to establish both short-term and long-term goals. The previous month’s goals will be analyzed and our approach going forward will adjust accordingly to continue our trajectory. Musicians need a reason to practice. That is why I encourage my students to seek out performance opportunities in their homes and out in public. Even sharing one short song with your parents or friends can be a fun and fulfilling experience - so no performance opportunity is too small!
Great teacher, incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his field.
Chris is very innovative in his craft and is always looking for ways to improve his methods. He prioritizes making sure his lessons resonate with each student, no matter what level you are. He also makes his lessons fun and engaging for each student - for example playing duets together or playing fun movie theme music. I highly recommend his music teaching services!
Chris is very passionate about teaching and performing. His lessons are great for any level of musician. His experience with different genres of music makes every lesson something to look forward to. Great teacher!
Chris is a very talented trumpet player and educator, who I have had the pleasure of working with on a few different occasions. I am the Program Assistant for the USC Thornton Community Engagement Program, and Chris and his brass ensemble were a very valuable member of our program during his time as a graduate music student at USC. He performed outstanding music education brass ensemble assemblies for students ranging from 1st grade to high schoolers in the South and East Los Angeles. During these performances he not only taught and played at the highest level, but also showed great communication skills to students of all ages and adults attending the assemblies. Chris is a fun and engaging teacher who is extremely knowledgeable on the trumpet.
I have known and worked with Chris for four years. As a trumpeter, Chris is truly exemplary. He is beyond capable in all styles of music, and is an extremely creative and innovative performer. He has experience teaching a wide range of ages and abilities; from young and mature beginners to college level students taking auditions. I have played with Chris in brass quintet, duo, trio, orchestral and wind ensemble settings, and have never stopped being excited and inspired by his playing. As a soloist, Chris has presented many beautiful solo performances that involve and communicate with audience members. He is not afraid to break down the wall between performer and audience, a refreshing take on the classical artform. Along with being a fantastic performer and educator, Chris is an advocate for the outreach and sharing of music. He has worked with nursing homes, hospitals, and local school districts to share music with more people. I highly recommend Chris as a teacher, and believe any student who has the opportunity to work with and learn from him is on the best path to reach their goals.