Ron C
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Ron C
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 4-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
B.A. William Paterson University, Music Education/Classical Performance
Overview:
Although most of my playing experience has been with rock bands, big bands and weddings, I have a B.A. in classical performance/music education from William Paterson University. Most of my private study has been with Dave Larson of the New Jersey Symphony and Dave Rogers, a William Paterson jazz adjunct. My classroom career began at the Passaic County Elks' Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, NJ, and in 2001 I moved to my present position as Elementary Music Teacher in Middlesex, NJ. I love to play blues on my trumpet, but my latest passion is learning finger-picking on guitar.
EXPERIENCE
Most of my teaching time is spent in the classroom where I have taught music from pre-school through high school. I began my teaching career with seven years of teaching students with multiple handicaps and moved in 2001 to my current postion where I teach from pre-k through third grade. I currently also direct a middle school choir and our annual middle school musical. Over the years I have taught not only private trumpet lessons but beginner piano as well, with students ranging from 5 to senior citizens. Since the majority of my students will earn a living outside of music, I've learned that the number one task is to make music easy to use as a life-long pasttime. My experience with young people has taught me that rather than seeing myself as a music teacher, I'm a teacher who uses music to teach about life. I love connecting musical development to other things we do and talking with students about how musical thinking and discipline affect other areas of our lives.
METHODS USED
For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. For piano students I use the Alfred Piano Book series, which has nice approaches for both younger and older beginners. I will introduce some theory as early as possible so facilitate improvisation and an understanding of playing songs.
LESSON STYLE
My teaching is based on the thought that everone can be comfortable with making music. Since comfort comes best when things are fun, I like to focus on music that the student likes. This usually involves improvising as soon as a student knows a few notes, which creates a chance for self-expression and leads to confidence in playing with others. I also place emphasis on phrasing, My experience is that many students get wrapped up in the mechanical process of playing at the expense of musicality. I ask the student to think in linear terms, playing phrases rather than playing note-to-note. I will often ask them to model the music by singing it first. This helps to develop a proper aural concept of the music. In the end, to me the lesson is about who you are and how music matters in your life!
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