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Bachelor Degree: UMass Amherst, Bachelor Degree: UMass Amherst
2015 - UMass Jazz Ensemble 1. Graduate college outstanding performance.
2017 - UMass Jazz Ensemble 1. Graduate college outstanding performance.
2018 - UMass Brazilian Jazz Combo. Undergraduate latin group outstanding performance.
2018 - The Chris Foe Project. Graduate college outstanding performance.
2018 - National Trumpet Competition semi-finalist.
I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with musicians of all backgrounds and levels. In 2019 I graduated from UMass Amherst with a BM in Jazz studies and a BS in environmental science. Studying with Eric Berlin (principal trumpet of the Albany Symphony Orchestra) and Jeff Holmes (grammy winning piano and trumpet player) informed my knowledge of trumpet technique and music theory. Throughout my time as a performer, I have had the privilege to play with great musicians like Sput Searight of Snarky Puppy, Doobie Powell, Jake Sherman, Avery Wilson of the Voice, and child prodigy Aron Hodek, among many others. I can help you develop your classical, pop, and/or jazz abilities in terms of trumpet playing and musical knowledge.
My teaching experience dates back to my mid-high school days, where I would teach elementary and junior high students brass technique in one-on-one settings, help teach my junior high jazz band, and teach a combo that I put together myself. As time went on, I gradually built up my studio to a part-time gig in college. During summers in college, I would teach various marching band camps and work as the RA at a jazz camp. Throughout my time as a teacher, I have come to realize everybody has different cards in their hand, so to speak. While there are general axioms to follow in the world of brass playing, everybody has their own special subtleties that can be spun into uniquely excellent characteristics.
For beginning students who are children, I start with Standard of Excellence by Bruce Pearson. This is a great, simple and streamlined approach to developing instrument technique and music reading skills. In addition to Pearson, I use my own lesson plans and materials which are primarily informed by the H.L. Clarke method. For intermediates and above , I use the H.L. Clarke, James Stamp, and J.B. Arban methods variously. Each book has its own benefits - H.L. Clarke and Stamp help guide the student to more effortless playing, while the Arban book guides students to more accurate playing.
I try to strike a balance between encouraging enjoyment and inspiring the desire to work hard. It's important to me that my students set ambitious and realistic goals, taking care not to burn out and always to enjoy what they are doing. While playing music means something different for everybody, excellence is something that everybody is capable of. I don't believe in talent to the extent most people do. While some people might start out with a little bit more, hard work beats talent by multitudes.