John G
Instruments: Trumpet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
John G
Instruments: Trumpet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Cameron University- Music Education University of Texas at Arlington- Music Education
Overview:
I'm a retired Army musician who loves working with students and I’m eager to share that great adventure that is music. I spent the first five years of my Army career with two wonderful service bands before I won an audition with the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps as a bugler. During my service I continued to teach at my home studio, as well as freelancing as a trumpeter within the greater Washington DC/Baltimore area. I've performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Grand Military Band, Brass of the Potomac and many other musical ensembles. I am also an active member of the Metropolitan Washington, DC Federation of Musicians, Local 161-710. Some venues I’ve performed at include The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, Virginia, The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, The National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., The White House, Washington, D.C., and The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.
EXPERIENCE
I've been teaching trumpet for nearly 30 years, over half that time since I've been living and teaching in my home studio in Woodbridge, Virginia. I encourage each student to not just practice, but to practice correctly so as to show them that the quality of their practice time will yield better results than the quantity of the same. I tell them: If you practice correctly, you get better. If you get better, you play with better players. If you play with better players, you play better music. If you play better music, you have more fun. If you have fun, you will want to practice more. If you practice more, you get better…….
METHODS USED
My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development. I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound. Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales. Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.
LESSON STYLE
In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Overall I believe the most important aspect of playing any instrument is to have fun! Once a student sees and hears the music being brought to life through their own creativity it is my hope that the spirit of “making music” will spark a fire within and grow inside the performer, thus enriching their lives, as well as those that hear them.
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