Thomas G
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band
Thomas G
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
BM, James Madison University, Music Education Minor -Jazz Studies
2018 - Contributing author to "Musicianship: Improvising in Band and Orchestra 2016 - Hired as Director of Bands and Assistant Director of Bands at Andrew Lewis Middle School and Salem High School 2015 - Served as Drum Major for the JMU Marching Royal Dukes 2014 - Joy Hollar Costello Music Education Scholarship 2013 - Performed with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps
Teaching music is my life's greatest passion and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to do that every day. In 2016, I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. While there, I performed in all kinds of ensembles from wind bands, to jazz ensembles, to pop groups. I also performed with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the country making music. All of these experiences inform my teaching.
I began teaching private lessons during my freshman year of college. It is so rewarding to work with a student on such a personal level and celebrate their growth. Instilling a sense of independent musicianship in my students is a fundamental goal of my teaching. I work with students on setting their own goals and developing their own practice strategies. When students have ownership over their learning, they can achieve amazing things! I also emphasize composition and improvisation in my lessons. A little bit of creativity goes a long way in boosting a student's confidence in their abilities.
I typically use Steve Hedrick's Band Fundamentals book with beginners. If a student is currently enrolled in a band program, I am comfortable using whichever method book their teachers has selected. I gradually begin to introduce solo repertoire and creative activities such as composition and improvisation. With more advanced students, I will typically use a "cornerstone" book from the literature pertaining to their instrument. For example, trumpet players will use the Arban's book and trombone players will use the Bordogni book.
I have a dynamic, positive, and passionate teaching style. Each student is able to move at their own pace and focus on their specific needs. Students learn to set their own goals and find what practice strategies work for them. I am very quick to point out successes, even in the very small things. I also create space for students to be themselves and create a little bit. Creativity is one of the highest levels of understanding and it's also fun! I try to find what motivates each student and capitalize on that discovery.
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