Trumpet Lessons in Catalpa, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

My teaching style at a high level is much like I approach most things. If you are having fun, sharing a joke or two while at the same time having direction and purpose then you can accomplish almost anything. I try to give as much feedback as possible without being judgmental or hyper critical. Music is to be enjoyed while at the same time treated with a certain amount of seriousness and dedication. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn Music

I have had the pleasure of teaching for the past 5 years publicly and privately. I have lead masterclasses and group lessons as well as private lessons and large ensembles. I teach my students the fundamentals of the instrument heavily as it helps provide the foundation for all musical concepts. I. have had the pleasure of performing with Symphonic Bands, Orchestras, Jazz Bands, and combos during my time at school helping me to demonstrate and teach various styles. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson with me will be structured like this:Emphasis on basics (scales, studies, tuning, etc)Sight Reading and Ear TrainingLearning techniques through pieces I am always aiming for technical building through the process of working through real music in order to keep lessons fun and engaging. I typically start beginning students with Essential Elements and work through the basics with that approach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I enjoy teaching students of various age levels and experiences. I am happy to help upcoming middle school, high school or college students. I tailor my lessons to fit the needs of each student I teach without pushing a student too hard. I try to use feedback from each student to determine and plan out lessons on the trumpet. I have various teaching materials that I am happy to share with my students in the off chance they do not have anything they are currently working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

If the student is interested in jazz, I typically use Jim Snidero's "Jazz Conception" books as a great starting place to learn about interpreting jazz music as well as a basis for starting to talk about improvisation. Continuing from there, jazz students will start to learn jazz "standards" from the Great American Songbook and discussions of improvisation will go deeper. With all students, it is important to discover what they are interested in and encourage that interest. Read More