Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Ukulele, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Djembe

While at the Hartt School, she toured with the Wind Ensemble and performed in the CBDNA conference, and the 2007 MENC conference with the Orchestra and Chamber Choir as a guest percussionist. Throughout her degrees, she has performed five solo recitals and has commissioned a number of new works for percussion, including a concerto, percussion quartet, trio, and two solo works. Melanie has also had the opportunity to perform in nine musicals as a pit musician, ranging from black box theater to mainstage productions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

To me it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. 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, Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe

I set a few personal goals when teaching students of any level, some of those are for the student to develop a love and passion for music and him or her instrument. Also to inspire them by participating with them in the lesson and making every lesson different and fun. I also like to reward my students when they accomplish goals such as successfully playing lessons or learning scales by memory, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Organ, Recorder, Euphonium, Mallet Percussion, Music, Keyboard

When it comes to beginning band students, I will typically use the Standards of Excellence book. But, depending on the students and their abilities, I will try Essential Elements, as well. For piano students, I will use Bastien Piano Basics, Fabor Piano Adventures or Alfred's Basic Piano, depending on the age group. After the students start to understand the foundation and fundamentals of their instrument, then I will find a piece of music for them to learn as a soloist. Read More