Trombone Lessons in Venice, CA

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is unique in that I do not push directly for quality. I believe that quality should be the natural product of efficient practice, which can only be achieved by early introduction to good technique, good habits, and positive motivation. When I start with a student, my goal is to make them smile and laugh. Students with a positive association with their instrument and playing it will be more inclined to listen and more inclined to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Try to get away from mechanism without joy. Everything has to be close to the music. Exercises to be actually doing them with a rhythm and time. Other than doing things musically, practicing in different times and intentions help a lot for the student to be open to play songs in different ways. Technique and theory are necessary tools. To apply concepts musically they need to do it with musical taste. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My experience as a teacher spans from advanced college students working on technique and improvisation, all the way to helping beginners play their first notes on the trombone. Before relocating to LA, I was on faculty at the University of Texas Arlington and taught jazz trombone lessons, ensembles, and brass pedagogy. At the University of North Texas, I spent several years directing big band ensembles, while also privately teaching arranging and composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

All of my students, depending on age, go through my curriculum which not only focuses on solo repertoire but learning how to be an essential part of any ensemble. I make sure I plan individual lessons and create overall schemes of work for my pupils so they can develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for them at different stages of their musical development. I extend my own musical experience by becoming familiar with the music my pupils listen to and music that is assigned from their primary music instructor, as well as have them become familiar with other musical styles and by developing improvisation and vocal skills. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium Tuba

My style of teaching seems to be very relaxed. I never force anything and I always want to give inspiration and motivation to the students. I get more pleasure and comfort knowing that this is something they want to do for themselves and not something I or their parents are forcing them to do. I think this also brings out the best playing and create motivation for the student. When I am teaching I give lots of support and even like to play along to give the student confidence and know that this is something that even I would do in my own practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

Finding out what inspires the student helps me to construct my instruction to their needs. It is important to understand that each student has their own progression. I make sure to always set realistic goals for my students at each lesson and to acknowledge their accomplishments. This often encourages and excites the student to continue in their progression! I keep it light and I make sure that the student enjoys my lessons and look forward to the next one. Read More