Trumpet Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Music Keyboard

All of my lessons, regardless of instrument, begin in the same way: warm ups! I tailor warm ups to the student's repertoire and change it up frequently so the student doesn't get bored or go on autopilot. For all vocalists, regardless of age, we work on breathing properly and posture, then moving on to tone and stylistic choices. For my instrumentalists, we work on breathing, proper technique for their instrument, and age appropriate repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have two main philosophies I base my teaching method on, regardless of age, skill level, or genre. 1) Fundamentals are extremely important, and 2) Music is an aural experience. To expand on my first point; a tree is only as strong as its roots. If a player has a strong understanding of the building blocks of music, the sky is the limit. I begin every lesson going over these fundamentals in some way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Although most of my playing experience has been with rock bands, big bands and weddings, I have a B.A. in classical performance/music education from William Paterson University. Most of my private study has been with Dave Larson of the New Jersey Symphony and Dave Rogers, a William Paterson jazz adjunct. My classroom career beganat the Passaic County Elks' Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, NJ, and in2001 I moved to my present position as Elementary Music Teacher in Middlesex, NJ. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I want you to be able to relax! And I'll do my best to make sure you are. You are free/ encouraged even to interject questions and make observations along the way. For beginners I introduce the instrument itself, its components and functions, how to care for the instrument, how to hold it and put it safely away in the case. Then we move on to air stream. A steady relaxed air stream surprisingly enough is all you need to produce a tone. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

Practice is ideal for each student. I encourage my students in their practicing. Progress will be made most quickly by those students who maintain the recommended practicing time (1 hour per day). Parents are also encouraged to be involved in their students practice. Taking the time to listen to your child play their weekly songs, or creating a set time for practicing in the students daily routine are good ways to become involved. 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

I have taught students that are ABSOLUTE beginners, and I have taught students that are almost ready to become professionals. One thing that remains the same throughout is that I try to discover what my student is trying to gain from my guidance. I ALWAYS will look for what I can offer the student, inside and out of the lesson studio. When you take me on as a teacher, not only am I an open book for you while in lessons, I am someone that you can text/call anytime if you are getting frustrated, and I am someone that you can invite to your first gig! Read More