Trumpet Lessons in Merrifield, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

The most important elements of my teaching style are patience and consistency. It takes time and a great deal of repetition to become a good musician, as my own experience attests to. I encourage my students to set goals that start small and gradually increase over time, and are consistent with their time commitment. I am very flexible, and can adapt to each student's particular needs with ease. My methods are best demonstrated in person though! 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

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn Music

Classical Students: We will Start with basics: Breathing Posture/Playing Position Long tones, Articulation Scales Music theory Then progress into more advanced topics: Musicality tone phrasing advanced music thory composition and arranging Then solo, band and orchestra literature will be introduced Elementary Intermediate: Usually standards Advanced: More contemporary music Jazz and other styles: All beginning methods will be the same as Classical students with Jazz methodology adopted: Scales: Blues, Dorian, bebop etc. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Flute

I approach each lesson differently. I focus on the students' weaknesses and work with them on being more comfortable talking about and facing them. I usually play with the student to ensure that they know I am working just as much as they are. I also do not put intense pressure on students to learn at a tempo; I focus on what makes them enjoy playing and having fun. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students, I typically work out of basic method books used in band classes, like the Standard of Excellence series. With more experienced students, I utilize standard brass methods, such as the Arban Complete Trombone Method, the Bordogni/Rochut Melodious Etudes, and the Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies. With all of my students, I customize a daily fundamentals routine tailored to their specific needs with various exercises to help solidify each student's technical fluency. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm a firm believer in transparent and respectful communication. I work diligently along side the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student(s) to develop a positive rapport with them. I will remind them that the process of learning an instrument, and engaging in performance is a collaborative effort; it can be a ton of fun; however, it still takes, a lot of patience, hard work and commitment. Each lesson is goal oriented and recorded. Read More