Trumpet Lessons in Smyrna, TN

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Music Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is dependent on the student. For some assigning certain things to practice and having the student keep track is a good motivator, for others its just asking them to look at the music. Motivations are different for every student and teacher. I always provide positive reinforcement to known work and effort, but I am also honest when it is obvious effort hasnt been put in to the work assigned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Trumpet

I've taught piano and violin for many years and enjoy the rewards and the challenges of working with students and having them learn the skills to both enjoy and succeed in music. I have also spent a number of years as music director for several different schools and churches working with choirs and handbells. I have found that when students are motivated and inspired there is practically no limit to what they can accomplish, and helping to provide that inspiration is one of my greatest goals, and why I enjoy teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet

For beginner students, I love the Faber primer or Alfred Beginner. Once the students have learned the basics, I play for them several pieces they would want to play for the next recital coming up so they can have an idea of what they like. For Intermediate players, I love the Dozen a Day collection, Hanon, and Alfred books. For teenagers and adults I really want to know specifically the type of music they love and want to play whether it be classical, jazz, pop, RB, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

For beginning folk/pop guitar students I use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method. For Classical guitar I use a combination of various resources, including Segovia scales, Sor studies, Guilianni right-hand studies and Frederick Noad method books. I definitely encourage students to work towards performance of the music they are working on, and try to schedule recital/performance opportunities as students deveope and gain mastery over their material. I always try to maintain a healthy balance between keeping the student working on music that challenges them,and advances their technique, with the need to have fun and enjoy the playing of a musical instrument as a means of entertainment and relaxation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

Fostering the interest in music into a passion within my students is the ideal teaching situation. This is why I place importance on listening to the student's goals to make decisions for certain parts of the curriculum. There are technical and theoretical skills that must be learned, but the students have some choices in materials. Meeting them where they want to be is some of the strongest motivation I can provide for my students. Read More