Trombone Lessons in La Mirada, CA

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Music

I have a relaxed teaching style which emphasizes positive encouragement and musical enjoyment. I tailor each student's lesson according to their level of playing, musical preferences, strengths, and areas which can use improvement. I set goals for my students that are both challenging and realistic, and I like to be a positive and encouraging mentor for them as they develop and improve at their own pace. I like to acknowledge the student's success while encourage them in areas that can still use more work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Born and raised in California, I grew up in a musical family. My father, a singer/songwriter and guitarist, always encouraged me to sing, compose and just make music no matter who was listening. I started trombone lessons at age 13, and immediately fell in love with the art of jazz and improvisation. As a member of the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble, I was met with opportunities to travel the world playing music at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and the Kurashiki Music Festival in Japan. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

Use all major method and etude books. Have a large library of rare etude books on PDF as well as my own exercises I've written out. Example trumpet books for intermediate student: Arban Clarke Sachs Schlossberg Stamp Charlier Vizzutti Bai Lin Irons etc I encourage students to find music they would like to play, even if they aren't able to play immediately. I can modify the music to make it playable until they have progressed enough to play the original. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I am very familiar with all of the standard piano methods, and will evaluate the student in the first few lessons to choose a method that they will be the most comfortable with.  I supplement all lessons with music theory and outside repertoire, allowing the students to choose from their favorite genres/artists.  For theatre, musical theatre, and vocal coaching, I also employ Linklater and Alexander techniques. I also really enjoy exposing students to styles, genres or artists that they might not be familiar with along with the history behind the music they're learning! Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is unique in that I do not push directly for quality. I believe that quality should be the natural product of efficient practice, which can only be achieved by early introduction to good technique, good habits, and positive motivation. When I start with a student, my goal is to make them smile and laugh. Students with a positive association with their instrument and playing it will be more inclined to listen and more inclined to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

For the younger beginning students, I usually start with Alfred's Beginning Piano Series. Once the student has a grasp of the fundementals, I will begin introducing major and minor scales as well as solo repertoire. For my adult students I will see their level of ability and musical interests, find appropriate material based on their taste and formulate the lesson to include fun stuff as well as build proper mechanics.  For my horn lessons depending on the skill level I being with Essential Elements or the Arban book and build from there incorporating solos of the greats, and songs that they want to learn to play. Read More