Trombone Lessons in La Verne, CA

Instruments: Trombone

Once the student feels comfortable with the mouthpiece and the long tones, I acquaint the student with fundamentals such as the positions, partials, scales and different types of articulations. For intermediate and advanced students, I focus on repertoire. Applying practices similar to what I have described above, I work with the student on playing repertoire with expression and facility. First I introduce them to short melodies that excercise skills in articulation and phrasing (called "etudes"). Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For students learning their first instrument and learning how to read music, I like to spend the majority of the time buzzing on the mouthpiece, breathing, as well as studying and playing easy warm ups such as Remingtons. This way students can build their fundamentals for their instrument at the same time they are developing better reading skills. For more advanced beginners I have them read easy etudes to develop their reading and overall musicianship. Read More

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

I try to have as much fun as possible while still maintaining a high expectiation of performance.  I am, by trade and training, a comedian, so jokes and laughter abound. Most of my students might say I'm not as funny as I think I am, but we still have fun! I am, however a stickler for learning the basics of music theory and correct use of vocabulary. Students won't move on to the next level until I know they have a firm grasp of prior concepts. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium Tuba

My experience in teaching is very wide and involves many different things. I have been teaching for 8 years private trombone lessons, but in the past year I have learned the trumpet as a part of an internship I was a part of and learned to teach trumpet to beginning students as well. I also am very capable of teaching the other low brass instruments such as the euphonium and the tuba. 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: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

There are two essential parts to learning/improving you ability on an instrument; Instruction and Practice. I will provide instruction, but in order for the student to show improvement they need to practice. When learning any instrument or even for that matter, singing, developing muscle memory is the key. That requires repetition to get the brain to register the process. Also, I believe that it is fundamental to learning a musical instrument to perform/practice with a group, So I encourage my students to join in a school ensemble or community group. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

The lessons are structured and built around the needs of each individual student. We begin by exploring strengths and weaknesses, and then customize materials and methods based on this. At the center of my pedagogical philosophy is a style of learning built on positive reinforcement, using methods that are supported by research on brain development and learning. For older students that are more driven, we also spend more time on developing effective strategies for individual practice, and together we set clear developmental goals. Read More