Trombone Lessons in Grand Prairie, TX

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I graduated in 2011 from SMU with my music degree in Trumpet Performance, and have been teaching privately in the Dallas area ever since. Although while at SMU my focus was mainly on orchestral playing and classical techniques, I am equally comfortable playing jazz and commercial styles, and honestly probably play those styles just as much as I do orchestral work now. I love teaching lessons and view each student as a unique way to approach the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

When learning to play an instrument, I believe it is important to start at a slow pace to make sure students comprehend all of the musical elements. To all of my students, I will treat them with kindness and honesty. Honesty is important as a teacher because my goal is to help students find where they can grow and show them ways to do so. For all of my students, I expect them to practice each day and put all of their attention to refining their art. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After thirty years I still love to play and talk about music! I've added more instruments to my skillset over the years just so I can write and create more music out of my home studio. I just released my first album, Influenced, in 2017 and for the first time will be performing music from the album at Denton Arts & Jazz! My first professional music job out of high school was in the Army band where I spent four years playing my trumpet and seeing the world. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I teach my students to practice a growth mindset. As musicians, I find that we can easily become perfectionists. While I think it is important to critique ourselves so we can improve, my policy is that my students critique themselves based on their own progress. For example, instead of comparing themselves to other students at an audition, I encourage them to compare themselves to who they were yesterday. I truly believe that students can more easily reach their full potential when they are focused on growth rather than competition against others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Tuba

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with the Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has advanced to where I can see that they have a good grasp of the fundamentals of the instrument, that is typically when I begin to introduce solo repertoire and supplement with my own material. For adult beginners, I typically will try and use the Essential Elements book to start with but not for very long. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

I have been a music educator in the public schools for over 40 years having taught in Austin, Texas and currently in Fort Worth, Texas. Many of my students have gone to play their instruments in college bands throughout the state. Several former students are currently teaching music at the secondary and college level. I do not approach my teaching to focus on a student's future as a musician. All make individual choices on musical endeavors. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My approach is methodical and step-by-step. I believe each learning step builds on the last, and that each new skill acquired "unlocks" new abilities and new music that can be played. At core, everything comes down to the twin pillars of fundamentals (including breathing, embouchure, tone, articulation, and range) and music reading, including rhythm and sightreading. In my lessons, I am always warm and encouraging and celebrate success, yet I always direct students' attention beyond what they have just accomplished to the next goal to be achieved. Read More