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BMA, Northwestern College, Music Performance (Trombone focus) - 2012
I am a freelance trombonist and composer in the Twin Cities area, performing across a wide variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and latin music. I graduated in 2012 with a degree in Music Performance from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I studied with Rick Gaynor and Dr. Jeremy Kolwinska. Prior to college I studied trombone under John Tranter. I have participated in master classes with former Boston Symphony Orchestra bass trombone Doug Yeo, current Minnesota Orchestra principal trombonist Doug Wright, and Tom Ashworth, the trombone instructor from the University of Minnesota.
I have been teaching trombone since the summer of 2011, and have also taught some euphonium/baritone and tuba lessons as well. I desire to help students grow in their love of music, and to help them to be self-motivated. It is my responsibility for 30-60 minutes a week to teach a student how to improve, but it is up to the student to improve and learn the rest of the week. If the only thing a student learns is responsibility, then I have done my job.
I do not have a beginning method book that I prefer, so I typically use a student's band method book for early lessons. For advanced students I prefer the Bordogni/Rochut etude book and the Blazhevich clef studies, along with a solo. I use scales with students of any level, and expect for students to eventually have all the major and minor scales memorized.
I believe it is important that each student set goals for his or her progression as a musician in each lesson, and I help students set goals when I can. I have high expectations for my students, and expect them to work hard. I also understand that not every student can put the same amount of time into lessons, so I do not set a weekly practice amount. However, I do still expect them to consistenly practice when they can. I only have 30-60 minutes a week to teach students how to improve; what they do with that information is up to them.