Trumpet Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I started teaching privately in college at Florida State University, and was even asked to teach for the F.S.U. summer jazz camp as the middle school instructor for their big band. I also taught trombone masterclasses as well as a small group. In New York I've taught privately for 5 years, and have also had the opportunity to work with elementary schools in the city doing jazz presentations through my Master's degree program at Manhattan School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

It is important to adopt a teaching style that is tailored to the individual needs of each student, especially because each student learns at their own pace. Setting goals is one of the first topics I discuss with my students, and then indicate some of the steps they need to take to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Keeping track of a student's hours of practice and their musical achievements is beneficial for me to determine what new material and concepts to work on, and also allows the student to stay organized and motivated.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Taking the time to understand my students, their ability to retain information, and execute, as well as their interests, goals and desires musically, is vital to my success as an instructor. While I use many of the collection of standard method books, I find creating unique exercises designed to target weaker areas in a particular persons playing to be more efficient, in cases, accelerating their grasp of fundamentals. Throughout ones progression, repertoire is introduced to reinforce techniques in a musical fashion. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

I also do audition prep for students preparing for performing arts schools. For my adult students, I encourage them to enter competitions and audition for bands. With all my students my motto is, If they do not learn the way that I teach, then I will teach the way that they will learn! Music is fun, its expressive, and most of all its art and any student with me of any age will enjoy the musical pedigogial journey they embark on with me as their instructor! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

For beginner students, I focus heavily on fundamentals consisting of breathing, mouthpiece buzzing, long tones, slurring/tonguing exercises, and scales. I will require each student to learn at least 1 new scale each week once we've established our individualized curriculum. For more intermediate/advanced students, fundamentals are still a must, but we will also begin more challenging repertoire such a solos, etudes, orchestral excerpts, and various other advanced studies depending on the student's level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I'm a freelance trumpet player, guitarist, educator, songwriter, and composer here in New York City. I have been a student of the trumpet for almost 30 years, and my former teachers include Michael Sachs (Cleveland Orchestra), Raymond Mase (formerly of the American Brass Quintet), Tom Booth (formerly of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra), Larry Black, and James Thompson (both formerly of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). I did my graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, as well undergraduate work at Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More