Trombone Lessons in Little Elm, TX

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: Trombone

I believe that each student requires differing methods of instruction in order to grow, so I stay adaptable in which exercises and etudes/solos I assign to meet this requirement. I am also generally happy to hear whatever a student wants to bring in if they have suggestions of their own. I think that being open to working on what a student wants to work on, at least most of the time, is instrumental in ensuring that the student stays motivated in their practicing and continues to have fun playing the trombone! 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: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

No matter the skill level, fundamentals are of importance. As brass players we are using flesh against metal, learning how to do so correctly is vital. I always start with a breakdown of what should be included in their daily fundamentals, from long tones to lip slurs to scales and so on. It is as vital as an athlete stretching and conditioning for their health. Throughout our lessons we will vary the fundamentals, showing them different exercises so that we make sure not to fall in a routine but rather focus on the role that the fundamentals play. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I know that most of my young students are in their school's band program, so I use a combination of whatever method books they use there plus my own supplemental materials I have found to be effective over years of teaching. If students are preparing for events like All-Region/All-District auditions or a Solo Festival, I spend plenty of time helping them with that. For other students, I have several books of progressive etudes, includes Bordner's Books of Practical Studies and Sparke's Skilful Studies. 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: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I have been teaching students privately for over a decade, starting with teaching trombone in high school, continuning with drumming students in college, and teaching professional-leve drums and percussion, advanced trombone, and beginner guitar students.  My primary passion lies in West African music, and I really enjoy bridging cultural gaps in my teaching.  At the same time, I am rooted in American jazz, western classical music, and rudimentary style drumming. Read More