Donald D
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles: Pop
Donald D
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles:
Pop
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
Inspired by the Music of Louis Armstrong and Al Hirt, I felt it was a sign for me to learn the Trumpet. The year was approximately 1961. I was 9 years old at the time. Now 60 years later, I still have that same love for Music and still enjoy playing the trumpet. I was taught by my grandfather, who was a Professor of Music who played and taught multiple brass and woodwind instruments. After his passing. I continued taking lessons from my uncle, my grandfather’s son as well as taking lessons with local Music stores. But my grandfathers teaching technique was a little different than other teachers. Before I was able to touch the trumpet, he sat me down and taught me Music Theory with a method called the Solfege, Also called Solfeggio, this method enabled me to understand what I was playing before touching the instrument. This method explained the Staff, the Treble Clef, Time Signatures, Key Signatures, Names of notes, Values, Timing and the list just goes on and on. Just to briefly sum up, I’m looking forward in sharing what I learned with others and hopefully they will develop that same passion of Music as I still have.
My teaching experience dates back a while where I had the pleasure of teaching Trumpet to young children between the ages of 9-12 years of age. Also gave lessons in a local Music store which was quite rewarding as well. At times, I would play some duets with the students which gave them a feeling of accomplishment and joy for their instrument. I encouraged my students to practice on a daily basis as I did to build up their confidence and passion for the instrument. Experience playing the Trumpet with different bands also played a large role in helping my students as it gave me the opportunity to share with them various skills and techniques that I have learned which would enhance their music career.
For beginning students as well as intermediates, the book I use and recommend is Accent on Achievement, Book One for Trumpet by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams. First, the beginning of the book shows a picture of a Trumpet showing all of its parts, valves and slides giving the student a good idea of the instrument. It also shows a picture of a student with the correct posture when playing which is extremely important. It also gives some tips as I would give such as buzzing the mouthpiece a while before playing. Also when warming up, playing some long tones which is an excellent way of building up your embouchure. Each exercise is basically giving you a little bit of Music Theory as it’s teaching you how to play and understand whole notes, half notes, quarter notes and so on. So now the student can see how these notes are used and related to an actual piece of music. Some other methods of teaching I use would be the use of a Metronome which would help the student with timing. Also I would go over some theory such as understanding the staff, time signatures, key signatures, value of notes, half rests, whole rests and more. As the student progresses, we can advance to higher book levels, play duets together and encourage playing with a school band.
As far as my style of teaching, I would use the book, Accent on Achievement as I mentioned earlier as a base. Practicing every day for at least 30 minutes is a must not only from the book but by just playing long tones, playing major scales which I will also go over and possibly some songs to keep the student interested in his instrument. Also try to understand what type of style the student is leaning on whether it be Jazz, blues, classical or pop and we can try to develop the student to fit that style.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.