Jeanette V  
Instruments: Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Opera, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Mariachi

In high school, as a leader in our band program, I began helping other band members in need. It was then that I fell in love with the art of teaching. I began officially teaching private lessons five years ago when I started college. I have taught in the San Antonio, Austin, Cedar Park and Pflugerville area, students ranging from middle school to college level. I like to set goals with the students, short term and long term, to measure progress and have something to work towards. Encouraging them to share with their families what they are working is always a good way to assure that they'll have a good support system throughout, which normally gets them more motivated to improve. Making sure they are having a good time throughout our lesson and during their practice times is key. Encouraging them from early on to expose themselves to performances and competitions is something that I always enforce, this is, after all, something that is meant to share with others. Overall, I teach through my own experiences that I have had throughout my career, from fears to achievements, its all something we all go through.

No matter the skill level, fundamentals are of importance. As brass players we are using flesh against metal, learning how to do so correctly is vital. I always start with a breakdown of what should be included in their daily fundamentals, from long tones to lip slurs to scales and so on. It is as vital as an athlete stretching and conditioning for their health. Throughout our lessons we will vary the fundamentals, showing them different exercises so that we make sure not to fall in a routine but rather focus on the role that the fundamentals play.

Along with fundamentals, I always start incorporating music theory, to help them better understand how music is structured and to further train their ear. Of course, depending on the level will depend how far we get into music theory. Even though they might be taking trombone lessons, I don't want to necessarily train them to be a trombone player, but rather a musician. After which, will come repertoire, including solos, method books, jazz charts and orchestral excerpts. Encouraging them to prepare repertoire for competitions, performances, school test, etc. The goals set at the beginning of the lessons will determine what direction we take and how we approach each goal.