William W  
Instruments: Trombone, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Showtunes, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

I taught my first trombone lessons when I was still in high school, and I've always felt a strong connection to teaching (my parents are teachers too). When I was getting my masters, I began teaching beginning brass classes at local elementary schools, and this expanded into several elementary band classes upon graduation. I also maintained a studio of trombone students. I'm currently a lecturer at the University of Miami and teach music theory students ages 7-18 for a community arts program. A multi-instrumentalist who has taught at all levels of ability, I have much to offer students whether they are just playing their first notes or already embarking on a professional music career of their own.

I pride myself on my ability to teach not only the standard method book sequences of etudes and exercises for the various instruments, but a curriculum that integrates improvisation and composition at all levels of age and ability. I believe in the importance of personalizing the music-making process and building student confidence in their own abilities to creatively express themselves. I encourage students to write songs, improvise based on given materials, and most importantly, have fun while doing it! Also, I wrote my doctoral essay on effective practice techniques based on the psychology of expertise ('deliberate practice', time management, motivation, goal-setting etc). I use these concepts to teach students, particularly at the advanced levels, HOW to practice.