Trombone Lessons in Trophy Club, 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 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

I began teaching lessons in college, and have enjoyed it from the very first day. I try to evaluate each student spefifically and see what they need to improve in the most efficient manner possible. Exercises and drills are present in my lessons, but I alwaystry to teach the bulk of trumpet fundamentals through actual music such as etudes, solos, band music, duets,etc. In this style of teaching, the students can pick what they want to play (after I give them a few guidelines), and we can still target the areas of playing that need work. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

Band Director Music Teacher, Truett Elementary School, 2007-Present Assistant Band Director, Robert E. Lee Senior High School, 2004-2007 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: Piano Trombone

When learning to play an instrument, I believe it is important to start at a slow pace to make sure students comprehend all of the musical elements. To all of my students, I will treat them with kindness and honesty. Honesty is important as a teacher because my goal is to help students find where they can grow and show them ways to do so. For all of my students, I expect them to practice each day and put all of their attention to refining their art. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

Since most of the students I teach are members of a band program, I make sure that most of my lessons are based on what is being learned at school. Planning an individual practice schedule is imperative for their success but at the same time make it enjoyable so the student will want to practice. Constant acknowledgement of their progress each lesson the student more eager to learn. Even though the school program may require students to learn from specific material, I also tailor instruction to music they enjoy performing. Read More