Trumpet Lessons West

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

I have taught in one-on-one lessons, large group rehearsals, and everywhere in between. I started my teaching with a group of peers and professors while studying my undergraduate Music Education degree. We worked as a group to teach children ages six through 16 how to play violin/cello and perform as group. We then held a large concert as well as performed with the Sacramento Philharmonic at a Link Up concert. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet

I am a caring and compassionate instructor that prefers students on a basic to intermediate level where I can actually give them the true appreciation and understanding for success with music. I have been playing trumpet since 5th grade, guitar since I was 14, and I started piano with my own player piano as I was growing up. With me you will come to think of learning music as a new language, fun, yet challenging, rewarding yet not as difficult as one would imagine. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Accordion, French Horn, Music, Keyboard

I find that metaphors using familiar things and processes, like the laws of nature and physics we see everyday, can help students grasp concepts that require marrying physical movements with mental flexibility. Perhaps we're discussing articulations and you're having trouble understanding stylistically how to approach and execute staccato with legato over it. We could turn to methods like the Breathing Gym to practice a physical manifestation of how that articulation should sound. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn

Through many years of teaching, I have found that being positive is the most effective way to help students succeed. Students should look forward to coming to their music lessons and thoroughly enjoy playing their instrument. I always try to avoid focusing on what a student is doing wrong, but instead point out ways to improve. If a student has the confidence and dedication to succeed, they are more than likely to do just that. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone

For beginning brass players I generally start out with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements series of books. After going through that, with some other material on the side, such as performance pieces, etc, they would progress to the Arban book (at around high school age for the student who began in sixth grade, as I did). For piano, I much prefer starting out with basic fundamentals, but not to any specific method, in contrast to brass. Read More