Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet

Acknowledging accomplishments is an ideal way to motivate a student to improve. While critiquing a student's weaknesses is something a teacher should do, celebrating the positive moments in playing can help engrave good habits. Whether you are trying to learn for fun or trying to get into the college of dreams for music, I am able to cater my teaching style to the needs of the student and this makes music fun for everyone! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Music

I've performed on trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone and French horn for over 40 years, and I love to play in many different styles and groups. I've played in symphony orchestras as well as concert bands, both amateur and professional. I've played top 40's with various rock, Latin and R&B bands, vintage dance music from the 19th and 20th centuries, and both Modern and Traditional Jazz. I also arrange and compose music for various ensembles, including my own groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder, Fiddle, French Horn, Piccolo, Oboe

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Harmonica, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Piccolo, Oboe, English Horn, Keyboard

I teach combination of the Suzuki method and the Hungarian style (stressing the natural, comfortable, painless, tension free method). For young students, the Suzuki method is great, since the repertoire is all fun! Also the CD that comes with every level is vital! Children enjoy and benefit from that. I am an audiophile, so I can set up students with a quality hifi system on the cheap - this is so vital in Suzuki method, as he stated in his book, Nurtured With Love. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginning students, I rely on methods books such as Essential Elements and Studies books in order for students starting off to grasp the fundamentals of Trumpet playing and music in general. Once that has been cemented, I will begin teaching a "routine" of practicing and warming up that will stick into the student's mind and further solidify their skills and techniques. Solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student's age will be introduced slowly and methodically as to give the student a challenging experience, but not be detrimental to their self-esteem or encourage bad habits (lack of practicing, bad breath support, awkward embouchure, etc). Read More