Trumpet Lessons in West Pittsburg, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe encouragement is the best way to help a student succeed. I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and try to make them fun. But even though we have fun, we still have to play the best we can and get the work done. I try to inspire my students to enjoy music, not force them. I believe music should be fun and engaging and not just "work" or a "Requirement". Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

For the exercises the student has mastered, I will assign the next exercise in the series or assign and go over a new exercise that strengthens whatever skill we are working on. If the student has not yet mastered the exercise we will go over it together. I will explain and discuss the technique and theory behind the exercise. I may make a recording for the student or write notes on the exercise for the student. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I am rigorous and expect my students to do their best, but I'm also patient, understanding and forgiving. I strive to have my students play their notes correctly, and I go beyond that to instruct them in the style in which a piece is to be played. I try to instill confidence in my students, to encourage their muse, and to point them to success in their musical endeavors. I also like to play along with my students as a duet partner, and give them fun music to play. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In my lessons, I advocate for a strong emphasis on tone and technique. Getting these aspects of trumpet playing down are extremely important as the trumpet is a very physically demanding instrument. I have many different levels of method books to work from, but one of the biggest and most comprehensive is the Arban's book. It has exercises ranging from the most basic tone production, to very advanced tonguing and lip slur exercises and is great for students of all levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For my students on I usually have them play out of the Alfred's Basic Piano Library. For other instruments we usually look at where students levels are at and work from there. From there I find what they like to practice and work on so they are able to grow. I also give my students scales each week to work on to use as warm-ups and build their dexterity. For my students we also look at the theory behind the music we are playing and use various theory worksheets that work on rhythm or we work out of a basic theory book that works best for the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

I began teaching during my sophomore year of high school with private trumpet lessons. Since then, I have taught college courses in music performance, history, composition, and music theory, and continue to teach private trumpet lessons from the beginner level up to my current college students. I have gone on to be a seminal figure in the trumpet community around the world. I have embarked on solo tours as well as with a 90 piece orchestra. Read More