Trumpet Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

My teaching method is centered around consitent practice and the idea that a student's practice time should be both fun and efficient. I work closely with my students to learn their musical interests and then establish their musical goals. With those goals in mind, we create a daily practice routine that is both fun, efficient, and designed specifically for that student, with their strengths and weaknesses taken into account. The materials used in these practice routines are pulled from my own personal library of music books, all of which I have worked through and mastered. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

With young students, I teach using the Royal Conservatory method. These books provide a good balance of technical development and quaity music. Once technical foundations are estabished, I will add ear training as well as theory and improvisation. For older students, I generally let them be the guide- whatever you want to work on is fine with me. Regardless of style, I try to make each lesson musical and fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I love to teach people of all ages and skill levels! I am a flexible guy that is able to adjust to the needs of the student, thus making my teaching style accessible to a wide range of students and individuals. My passion for music glows through our lessons and making music fun is a number one priority. The true name of the game is improving as fast as you can. Read More

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: 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: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style is very simple: Dare to be great. I have found that performance in music is believing in yourself. That can only come when you have been taught good fundamentals coupled with freedom of expression to make mistakes. Only then, we have breakthroughs. Only then, we start having fun. Only then, we have the courage to be great. Then you are great. ...and the rest is history. Having said that, I inspire, not drive, my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

Teaching and music are my true passions in life because I love seeing my student grow and music brings people together. I graduated from the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts (SOTA) where I studied instrumental music. SOTA is an arts magnet high school that performs at a pre-professional level. Through SOTA I performed over 100 concerts all around the Bay Area. I recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz where I was highly involved with the Santa Cruz music community. Read More