Trumpet Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Trumpet Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start by making the trumpet a game. Focusing on setting up a firm embouchure and obtaining a clear buzz on the mouthpiece sets up students for success! Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students I start with an Alfred's beginning drum method to help with reading. We also start on the basic understanding of musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics and so on.  While reading is important I do also include learning by wrote or by ear.  A good ear is just as important as good reading skills for the complete musician.  I always include music that the student is interested in to keep the lessons fun and engaging! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

For beginning students as well as intermediates, the book I use and recommend is Accent on Achievement, Book One for Trumpet by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams. First, the beginning of the book shows a picture of a Trumpet showing all of its parts, valves and slides giving the student a good idea of the instrument. It also shows a picture of a student with the correct posture when playing which is extremely important. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

I use the method created by Adolf Herseth (Principle trumpeter in the Chicago Symphony for 50 years). I learned this method from William Fielder at Rutgers. This concept is based on using air as the primary energy source for producing sound. We will work on strengthening the breathing apparatus to be able to produce a pure clear tone that is without distortion. From there we work on being able to keep that same sound thought the full range of the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

I believe in teaching discipline, responsibility and dedication through the art of music! I use the NYS Common Core in Music to teach. My students are more likely to excel in all of their studies, have enhanced critical thinking skills and will have a higher level of focus discipline than students not studying music the arts. As an adult, learning how to play an instrument is a way to challenge your brain in an effort to stay sharper and alert for longer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essential Elements of Band by Hal Leonard and Tradition of Excellence by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce more advanced method books such as J.B. Arban: A Complete Method, and various etude books as well as solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

I'm an experienced musician and educator with the strong belief that anyone can learn and love music. I studied music at the New England Conservatory and Harvard University, and I've had the privilege of traveling throughout North and Central America performing jazz, classical, rock, and many other types of music. I've also been lucky enough to appear on recordings by a variety of artists, including singer-songwriter Ben Zaidi, acclaimed indie rock band The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, and bass phenom Esperanza Spalding. Read More