Trumpet Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Here are the things that I want to impart to my piano students in their first 10 weeks of lessons: That I love music and I love teaching them That music lessons are creative and exploratory That creating music is fun and easy That music can tell stories That music is more than pushing down keys That music is art and involves dynamics, speed, feeling, etc. That singing and moving to music is just a part of how we do things in music education That playing the piano the right way (ie. with the right technique) is really important The importance of understanding, feeling and moving to meter (duple/triple) The concept of home, tonic/dominant tonalities and being able to hear and create bass lines That music is made up of chords, patterns, and melodies That they can transpose music into different keys I use Alfred Piano Method, it also dives into intervallic reading, as described above. 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I usually start my beginning piano students who are children, in Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Lesson Book 1A. After a few months, I begin adding solo repertoire that is appropriate for age and ability. For middle school age students and adults, I start with Alfred's Basic Piano, Adult, Level 1. I also like to find out the student's individual interest and find repertoire that they are interested in learning and that are aligned with their current skills. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Students will always start with fundamentals to ensure a steady foundation. The exact materials may vary, but I usually create the specific exercises that students need to work on week to week. Each part of their individual practice session will have an 'aim' for students to focus on while they are playing. By teaching thoughtful practice, students can avoid wasted practice time and find success at more frequent intervals. Songs, solos, or etudes will be added in on a regular basis and focus on a technique the student is currently working on. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I have created my own method of teaching which I have perfected over the years. I create my own exercises and practice materials based on the level and interests of each individual student. I use the software program "Finale" in order to create the musical compositions that I prepare for my students. I always accompany my students on the piano. I am well versed in the various styles of music and am comfortable teaching students how to improvise also. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The best lesson I learned before attending college, my trumpet teacher taught me, "If you sound good while practicing, you're not really practicing", which I make sure to mention multiple times. I never try to overload my students with too much material, but instead try to understand what they would like to learn, and develop lessons and exercises from that. Brass instruments require commitment, and although difficult, playing should seem fun, instead of a chore. 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