Trumpet Lessons in Foster City, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

For my brass students I use exercises from the greatest brass instructors and players to have ever live: Gordon, Dr. Colins, Arban, and Clark. For wood wind students: Kevnitt, Rubank's, and Schlossberg For Piano Student: Hanon, Simon, and Alfred's Teaching Method AND MANY MORE!! In addition, my students work on solos and pieces of music of their choosing. Though I guide them and offer suggestions from the classical, jazz, pop canons, they ultimately choose the songs they work on. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

So I endeavor to strive first for great sound. 2. Counting: Furthermore, horn players play in horn sections about 90% of the time. Therefore, it is critical that the horn player count extremely accurate so that the section is tight. Also, on live shows or recording sessions, accuracy and execution is imperative for a good performance. So I lay a counting foundation and delve deeply into the subject. Sound and Counting, then everything else. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I really value input from all of my students no matter what age. This keeps our lessons fun and challenging. It is very important that each student sets their own goals to reach at the end of each lesson to achieve for the next week. I am a big advocate of positive reinforcement. For my younger trumpeters I like to use stickers and to play fun duets whenever they achieve their goals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In my lessons, I advocate for a strong emphasis on tone and technique. Getting these aspects of trumpet playing down are extremely important as the trumpet is a very physically demanding instrument. I have many different levels of method books to work from, but one of the biggest and most comprehensive is the Arban's book. It has exercises ranging from the most basic tone production, to very advanced tonguing and lip slur exercises and is great for students of all levels. 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: 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 Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe encouragement is the best way to help a student succeed. I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and try to make them fun. But even though we have fun, we still have to play the best we can and get the work done. I try to inspire my students to enjoy music, not force them. I believe music should be fun and engaging and not just "work" or a "Requirement". Read More