Trumpet Lessons in Washington, DC

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

I believe in being being honest and encouraging, allowing students the chance to struggle and fail in a safe environment, while stressing and correcting proper techniques. I encourage practicing a little almost every day of the week, and finding what fires you up about the instrument. I also make sure to take an interest in student's lives beyond music- people are busy, and I understand those pressures! Besides that, music can relate to many areas and disciplines in life, and one's own previous experiences offer many methods for greater understanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

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

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

My master's degree in trumpet performance at the University of Denver included a teaching assistantship: I taught trumpet lessons, coached brass quintets, trumpet ensembles, and more. I had a private studio in Denver and again in Cleveland, where I was before relocating to DC. In Cleveland I taught full-time and ended up with over fifty private students. My students there received such honors as entrance into the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Symphonies. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching balances improvisation-guided exploration with firm technical training. It is important for students to be excited about discovering new things as well as being encouraged by achieving clearly-defined realistic goals, which we discuss at every lesson. In addition to this balance, I encourage a lot of listening. Music is a 'heard art' and learning to listen attentively is key to musical growth. To this end, listening assignments (and likely additional suggestions!) are usually given in every lesson, determined by the student's interests, area of study, and current focus. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

I have an arsenal of books and teaching techniques that will give the student the best chance at successful learning. Read More