DeAndre S  
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet
Styles: Jazz, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul

I began teaching while in college. I taught band at an Elementary school for 5 Years. I also went on to become an adjunct professor at The University of the District of Columbia teaching "Jazz Trumpet" and "Beginning Jazz Piano". What I love about teaching is the moment when a student "gets it". I love to see that expression of amazement on their faces as they overcome some obstacle that may have been previously plaguing them. That's a gift in itself. I learn just as much from my students as i teach them. I believe that learning should be fun and focused. As long as we are directing our energies towards the accomplishment of set goals and objectives why not have fun along the way? After the work is done, music should be fun.

For students just starting out the focus is always on the fundamentals. Hal Leonard has some great Essential Elements books. When students show progress with these types of instruction manuals we'll usually jump to specific pieces of music that focus on the elements that we learned about in our method books. Lessons are tailored to the student and his or her needs and goals. All students aren't shooting to play at Carnegie Hall or tour the World. Some of my students just want to be able to learn a song from the radio whenever they want. I'm happy to teach them all the fundamentals so that that is not only possible but fun.