Trombone Lessons in San Francisco, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I assess every student's unique needs to help them achieve their goals. Influenced by teachings of other professional orchestral musicians and teachings of Arnold Jacobs. I take a singing approach to the trombone, putting sound at the forefront of every student's development. For young students, developing a love for music, good fundamentals, and forming good habits are the most important part of the work we do in private lessons. Being an excellent musician is not just about practicing, it is also creating well-rounded, intelligent individuals that have the skills to succeed in all parts of life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My teaching style is flexible. One of my teachers asked me up front how hard I wanted him to be on me and thats something we would go over as well. Its important I learn the personality and learning style of the student. Its important to establish a trust and understanding so as not to take criticisms personally so that we can develop weaknesses and build on strengths. Every musician has different strengths and weaknesses my goal is to help them achieve their best musical self to grow their confidence and be as fully realized as possible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I also give the student solo pieces for his/her level. I have my students keep a lesson assignment journal in a blank manuscript book, in which I also write playing tips, exercises and songs tailored to each student. A set practice routine is a must in order to improve. So, I teach my students how to practice correctly, I provide practice records for my students to keep, and I discuss and set realistic practice goals for my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

For beginners, I use the Standards of Excellence book, especially if they are young children because that is the book that they will most likely use in middle school or high school. These books are good for teaching the fundamentals. I also assign a solo piece based on skill level along with an excerpt of a song that the student wants to learn. For more advanced students I use the Arban's book because all trumpet players learn from this book; from intermediate players all the way up to professionals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My teaching experience began in my first year of college teaching beginning piano. I have since grown my studio from there to teaching trombone. I encourage students to be passionate about what they play while also balancing what we learn through various method books. I found I improved the most when I was playing music I enjoy rather than playing the music that was given to me by my piano teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. Read More