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Bachelor Degree: Georgia Institute of Technology
2015 - Georgia State University Music Scholarship
I'm a musician working and living in the Atlanta area. The primary instrument that I studied in university is the trombone and i have a lot of love for the unconventional instrument. I've been able to play in tons of bands in the metro area that you wouldn't normally find a trombone in. I love the challenge of finding out how to fit my sound into a new group or genre. This past year I've started to record and produce my own music, and this has been revolutionary in opening up my creative abilities.
I've been teaching lessons since I was in high school and younger students would ask for me for help with their playing. I love sharing my knowledge of music with others as it's something that has brought me a lot of joy in my life. One of the most important points I like to emphasize in my lessons is the importance of making a conscious effort to let go of the fear, anxiety, and physical tension that comes up naturally when most students have to play their instrument. This breakthrough can be extremely influential for students because the fear of sounding bad makes them sound far worse than if they played without that obstacle.
With young beginner students, I start with either the Essential Elements books for wind instruments or the Faber method for piano. After basic musical skills have been developed I'll move on to more interesting solo pieces based on the interests and needs of the students. With adults, I tend to talk to them a little more specifically about what their musical goals and influences are and help them to achieve them in their playing. The most important part of taking lessons will always be to commit to a daily practice routine, free of distracting thoughts. So, I try to teach my students to enjoy a daily practice routine and to conduct it in a way that they are free of tension.
I think it is super important that music be relaxed and fun. Many teachers throughout my life have adopted an approach based around harsh negative reinforcement which I've now had to spend years unlearning in my practice. The biggest thing I hope students walk away from my lessons with is the understanding that music is not the end of the world but rather a fun and relaxing way to spend their time. This approach and understanding help students to not only practice more but practice better. When students practice with fear and anxiety, they don't absorb the exercises they practice, they just try to move on before actually mastering the passage. When they learn to let go of tension and enjoy the repeated exercize, true abilities are formed.