Trumpet Lessons in San Francisco, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. 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 Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I use a two pronged approach to my lessons. I start with fundamentals, especially focusing on two areas: sound and counting. 1.) Sound: Over the last 34 years, I've found that the student who does not sound good - even though he or she can play all notes and rhythms - will not be pleasing to anyone who hears them play. What good is it if he can play all rhythms and notes and sound bad? Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

Throughout the years I have gained more and more students, but I have never stopped seeing myself as a student as well. I am constantly discovering new musical concepts and ways of teaching those concepts to my students. I still seek out the expertise of musicians I look up to and pass that expertise on to my students. I also find that my students themselves have a lot to teach me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Acknowledging accomplishments is an ideal way to motivate a student to improve. While critiquing a student's weaknesses is something a teacher should do, celebrating the positive moments in playing can help engrave good habits. Whether you are trying to learn for fun or trying to get into the college of dreams for music, I am able to cater my teaching style to the needs of the student and this makes music fun for everyone! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I've performed on trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone and French horn for over 40 years, and I love to play in many different styles and groups. I've played in symphony orchestras as well as concert bands, both amateur and professional. I've played top 40's with various rock, Latin and R&B bands, vintage dance music from the 19th and 20th centuries, and both Modern and Traditional Jazz. I also arrange and compose music for various ensembles, including my own groups. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

I have been teaching music since high school, where I was the brass section leader. I began to teach and play guitar in high school as well. I have taught all ages, including small children as well as senior citizens. Teaching is always refreshing and challenging- every day is different! Every student has a unique perspective with his or her own learning style. Read More