Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Drums, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard

I began the study of trumpet in 1965 under the instruction of Les Beigle, noted Seattle trumpeter. In 1969, I graduated from Snohomish (WA) High School, where he played solo trumpet in the high school band under the direction of Edward Peterson. I received his Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1980. Instructors included Gary Peacock, Jim Knapp, Butch Nordal, Art Lande, and Julian Priester. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Music, Keyboard

A few years down the road I started playing trumpet in the beginning band at my school under the tutelage of who, to this very day, I believe was the best youth band director to ever hold a baton. Since then I have had many teachers who have shaped my life many different ways. They spent the time to grow and cultivate my skills and talent, teach me musician's etiquette, and give me “the tools of the trade”. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Music, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

My approach to music lessons is to customize and graft them to the student. I approach all of my private lessons as music lessons, not just guitar, saxophone, theory, composition, or piano lessons. Throughout my career, I have consistently found value in being a well-rounded, knowledgeable musician, strong in a variety of skills, instruments, and genres. This is not to say that I do not strive for mastery, and encourage my students to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet

One of my strengths as a teacher is adapting my teaching style to fit the needs of any student I'm working with. For some students, concepts come easily and their motivation is very clear, but for others, it's not always so easy. The biggest virtue that I've found to hold true throughout my years of teaching is patience. I treat all my students as (young) adults, and that means treating them with respect and understanding to the utmost degree. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe

The methods I use vary depending on the students ability and level. Hal Leonard's beginner's method for piano is one that I use for students starting piano at an elemental level. I also use Hal Leonard's essential element's method for beginner trumpet students. These methods work very well for elemental and intermediate levels. They also work for adults starting to learn how to play the instrument. I also use other methods such as the Arban's Trumpet method which covers everything from beginners to advanced levels. Read More