David G
4.8
(18)
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles: Jazz, Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul
David G
4.8
(18)
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles:
Jazz, Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Associate Degree: University of Wisconsin - Madison
I was born in Newark New Jersey in 1948 and began a life long love affair with the Trumpet at the age of three and a half years old. By the age of twelve I was performing in local clubs and was exposed early on to Newark Jazz greats such as Sarah Vaughn, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw and Larry Young. In 1966 through 1969 I attended the University of Wisconsin and majored in music. I moved to San Francisco California in 1969 and spent the next fourteen years playing, touring and recording with such diverse musical luminaries as Boz Scaggs, Otis Rush, Doug Samms, Jessica Williams, Sonny Fortune, Dexter Gordon and Art Blakey. I also was fortunate enough during this period to study Trumpet with John Coppola and Woody Shaw. In 1983 I moved back to New Jersey where I now live with my wife Esther. We have two grown children, Joshua and Darcy and five grandchildren. From 1997 to 2015 I led a weekly Jazz session at the "Crossroads" a local jazz club and released my first CD as a leader entitled "Inner Spaces".
Teaching has been an integral part of my own musical development. When not performing I was the resident trumpet teacher and embouchure specialist at the San Francisco School Of Jazz and have taught privately on an ongoing basis. "When given a gift as I have, I believe it is an absolute responsibility to share it with others." Trumpet is an especially challenging instrument to master and I believe that the correct fundamentals (embouchure studies, breathing, posture, tonguing, scales and interval studies) are critical components of musical success. But most of all, in order never lose the love of the instrument (despite its required disciplines), means learning how to have fun in the process.
My primary teaching philosophy is one of showing by example. Book learning is excellent and necessary and I use an assortment of standard materials and literature to assign lessons. I am especially fond of the teaching method of Laurie Frink and John McNeil and their joint manual "Flexus" and the basic Carmine Caruso embouchure studies literature. I also create my own exercises for the the students based on their individual and immediate needs. I also focus on the direct and deep relationship between vocalizing and playing .
I have made just about every mistake that an aspiring trumpeter could make! I have had to repeat lessons never learned properly, try to skip necessary building blocks, muscle my way through performances that have damaged me physically, repeat and ingrain bad habits, and almost destroy my deep passionate love of music and the instrument that I have played for 67 1/2 years. My goal is to inspire right practice habits, illuminate the beauty of brass instruments, and help the student create their own voice.
Jahi D-W
He is a good teacher and helps kids do better.
Valerie Ajayi
David G. is an amazing teacher, very patient and accommodating for a newbie/ older learner. In addition to his classical training, he has a unique way of teaching which is so impressionable that I have a new appreciation for this wonderful instrument.
SalliJune Allred
David is been absolutely incredible! The 60 year age gap between him and my son is actually a bonus, not a deterrent! He has been a terrific teacher, friend, and inspiration as a trumpet player to our little boy. He was never grumpy, even when our son didn't practice very well ;), but very fun and engaging. Our son has learned a tremendous amount much from him. His air flow has improved, as well as his tone and knowledge of how to play the different pitches.
Landon Brown
David is extremely patient with our son. He provides great encouragement and makes it fun and engaging for him. Our son is learning so much in a short amount of time.
Melissa Worley
David is fantastic! I am a learner that is a tad bit older, so I was a bit intimidated to even start this journey. David has me so excited about the entire process and I look forward to our lessons every week. My son has been playing brass instruments for years and he is SO impressed with my progress! So glad to have David as my teacher and mentor.
Bob Linscheid
Really enjoy my time with David. He knows his stuff.
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