Ralph B
Instruments: Trumpet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Ralph B
Instruments: Trumpet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Bachelor Degree: Boston University, Course Work: Manhattan School of Music, Course Work: University of Maryland
I am primarily a trumpet player, although I am versed in other instruments as well. I attended Manhattan School Music and studied with some of the best trumpet professors and players in the country. While living in New York, I played in all sorts of groups from Orchestras to Jazz bands to Salsa. Since moving to this area I have expanded the styles I have played to include Blues, Reggae, Disco, R&B, Wedding Bands, Hip Hop, etc. I love playing but I equally love sharing my experience through teaching.
I have played music since third grade. Soon after starting to study music it became a focal part of what I loved to do. I played and practiced a lot. Since I dedicated so much time to learning this art , I was able to start teaching during high school and find myself still teaching now. It is a wonderful experience to pass on information, skills and experience to students and see them grow and flourish. I am now dedicating more of my time to teaching musical skills while I continue to grow my abilities and experience.
The basics for any instrument are extremely important. For trumpet learning about breathing, how to use your fingers to more easily change notes, how to stand properly, etc. All exercises to help these are very important. Other instruments have their own specific basics which are equally important. While these technical aspects of playing instruments are vital to growing on any instrument, the goal of playing an instrument is obviously to play music. Sometimes while learning how to play an instrument teachers and students can get so wrapped up in how to play that they forget why they play. I always set aside time to work on pieces that are fun so that practicing and playing is not drudgery. Challenges are great to grow abilities but it is good to play music that is very easy for you so that the love of music and the joy it brings stays with you. I can attest that this enjoyment can last a lifetime!
My teaching style at a high level is much like I approach most things. If you are having fun, sharing a joke or two while at the same time having direction and purpose then you can accomplish almost anything. I try to give as much feedback as possible without being judgmental or hyper critical. Music is to be enjoyed while at the same time treated with a certain amount of seriousness and dedication. Of course the amount of effort is up to the student. Some might be just happy to have lessons once a week while others want to practice for hours a day. It is up to a teach to understand that ratio and teach to that level regardless of age or background.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.