Trombone Lessons in The Castro, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I use a two pronged approach to my lessons. I start with fundamentals, especially focusing on two areas: sound and counting. 1.) Sound: Over the last 34 years, I've found that the student who does not sound good - even though he or she can play all notes and rhythms - will not be pleasing to anyone who hears them play. What good is it if he can play all rhythms and notes and sound bad? 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I start lessons by warming up and doing exercises. For children, I do this in a listen and response setting. Then I will work through school songs or performance pieces, focusing on rhythms first, notes second and musicallity third. These 3 aspects lead to musicial mastery. I finish each lesson with an easy cool down. With in each lesson, I focus on musical styles that the students are interested in and work towards goals that the student set for themelves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For all students my primary focus is tone and sound production and going from there I usually have beginning students start on the standard of excellence books, these books usually go hand in hand all the way up to the end of junior high school For more advanced students I have them use the Arban's Method for Trombone/Euphonium, Melodius Etudes by Rochut, and any solo or ensemble piece which fits their current level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

We then set about drawing up a practice routine, specific to that student. The practice routine is a set of 3-5 exercises taken from my library music books that will each touch on an area or skill that the student needs to work on. The routine will end with a song or piece of music for the student to read and practice. The student will practice this routine daily and the following week the student and I will sit down and play through the routine together. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I have experience teaching students of all ages and ability levels in various settings. I have tons of performance experience performing in professional opera pits, orchestras accompanying premier vocal artists, subbing in regional orchestras, and even playing on albums for new classical artists. My true passion is sharing my experiences and pedagogy expertise to bring out the best in talented students. Additionally, I performed in many trombone quartets, trombone choirs, and other various brass ensembles and that sense of community is something I aim to bring to my students. Read More