Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
BA, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Interdisciplinary Studies
Hi, my name is Justin and I've been teaching private lesson. And teaching band since 2015. I went to Wisconsin Lutheran College and earned my degree in 2007. Before beginning teaching I was a stay at home dad for a number of years until my two kids were in school full time.
I'm very passionate about creating an appreciation and love of music in students of all ages. I love helping my students have fun, learn new skills, and grow as musicians. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!
Despite growing up in a family full of musicians, it took me a while before realizing that music was one of my true passions and wanted to share that love of music with others. I have been playing trumpet for nearly 25 years now, first starting formal lessons when I was 10 years old. I began teaching myself guitar in college and have been playing for almost 15 years. Much of my classroom instruction in music was completed during my time at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I have performed with numerous collegiate instrumental and choral ensembles, in addition to other opportunities, including singing with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.
For all beginning students, I usually will take a lesson or two to assess where the student is at regarding music, depending on (if any) previous experience with music, e.g. piano lessons, etc. For trumpet students, I am not beholden to any one instructional method book. Usually, I will select whichever one I feel the student will be most successful utilizing. A couple of examples of method books I use are Standards of Excellence and Student Instructional Course. For guitar students, I favor starting with Hal Leonard Guitar Method.
My teaching style is very laid back and relaxed. As much as possible, I like lessons to be student driven. Allowing the student to take a measure of control over what they are learning, gives them a bit more ownership of and investment in their lessons. I have found this to keep students more interested and be more successful in their learning. That being said, I do help guide and steer the student, so that we are still able to accomplish the necessary theory and technique. I firmly believe that if we can do this while allowing the student to drive the lessons a bit more, while having fun, all the better!