Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Clarinet, French Horn, Piccolo

My experiences in and out of the classroom continuously pushes me to evolve my philosophy and teaching style. Music is not just about singing or playing the right notes and lyrics. It is about making connections from most personal experiences through the most universal language. This is the kind of experience I hope to share with my students through music in a safe, challenging, and creative environment. It doesn’t matter whether students are seasoned musicians or first-time singers. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginning students and children, I typically start with the basic essential fundamentals of playing the trumpet. Once the student has progressed, I will introduce more appropriate material to advance the student with. For adults and more experienced students I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and especially fun, no matter their ability level. I use a lot of play along material and I show and play for the student a lot of playing techniques and riffs for examples and what is possible and how to progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone

Teaching music is one of my greatest joys. I love being able to help students of all ages unlock the mysteries of playing music. I have been playing the trumpet since age 10, and after graduating from the University of Oregon in 2001, I auditioned to play for Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited from Zimbabwe. For the next ten years, I toured North America, Europe and Africa. When I wasn't on the road with Thomas and the band, I led my own jazz groups, played in Salsa and Hip-Hop acts, and taught trumpet and trombone lessons in Eugene and Portland, OR. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Harmonica, Ukulele, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary on the student and subject. Beginning students will typically focus more on technical pieces of music to improve on certain aspects of a few pieces to perform. More advanced students will still practice technical parts of their music, but less time will be spent on it during a lesson. Advanced level students will spend more time on repertoire and performance. The more advanced a student gets, the more I expect them to practice outside of lessons and apply their newly learned technical skills into their music on their own. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. After their first solo piece, there will be room for expansion into different genres of music. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and is prepared to study, and I will guide them in my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More