Guitar Lessons in Reno, NV

Instruments: Trumpet

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
My number one book that I use in lessons is the Arbans Method for trumpet. Within the trumpet community, this book is known as "The Trumpet Bible". It starts with exercises for beginners, focused on improving fingerings, scales, and sound. It moves on to sections that are meant to be played by intermediate/advanced players, focusing on flexibility, articulation, and interval practice. In addition, this book has a wide variety of duets that I play with my students to help them improve on their group playing. This is a book that EVERY trumpet player should own! I use many other books when I teach, but those are mostly tailored towards the specific student.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style/genre changes alot because I play so many different types of music. Currently, my favorite style of music to play is salsa! The music in general is super fun, uplifting, and it brings people together. It is also a great type of music to dance to, and if you haven't tried I highly recommend! I went to Colombia to play with Joe Bataan recently, and it was one of the most fun performances I have ever played! Everyone was just there enjoying the music for what it was, dancing along and having an amazing time. Salsa music is some of the happiest music that I have ever heard.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they show an interest in music, or in a specific instrument, then you should expose them to it!

When will I start to see results?
I tell this to every student, but it is on THEM to see results. All I can do is provide them with the information, knowledge, and insight necessary for improvement. Improvements are made when you practice. You will begin to see improvements once you take what I give you and apply it to your own playing, through steady practice and hard work. With my students, I usually see improvement within the first month or two of lessons, and I always see greater improvement from students who seem to genuinely want to absorb and learn.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on trumpet is to obtain a good sound. Trumpet is much more technically challenging than other instruments, because you can't physically see what you are doing. Additionally, you are utilizing muscles that you don't use in daily life-- your lips. This is why beginner trumpet players can often become easily frustrated. Your lip muscles need time to develop, and even once they do you need years of solid practice to develop a sound that is pleasing. However, the harder you work and the more you practice, the easier this process is!

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
In a normal practice session, I ALWAYS start with a warm-up (unless I have already played that day). My warm-up will consist of lip-buzzing, mouthpiece playing, and then long tones and simple flexibility exercises that I take from Laurie Frink's teachings. My warm-up will usually last 30-45 minutes. Once I feel that I am sufficiently warmed up, I will move on to whatever I want to work on for the day. Usually I will set a goal for myself for the day. If I have a certain song I need to work on for a band, I will work on that. Otherwise, I will work on one of the many facets of trumpet playing, including articulation, flexibility, sound, ect. All in all my practice sessions end up being anywhere from 1 hour-3 hours long depending on how much time I have.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
When practicing something such as a new etude or exercise, try to find a SLOW speed or tempo that you can comfortably play it at. Once you can play it well at that speed, increase the speed slowly over time until you can play it at the tempo that it is supposed to be played! One of the biggest mistakes that I see students make is to rush through their practice sessions. Take things slowly, and REALLY listen to yourself play. This is what leads to REAL improvement. For all brass players (not just trumpet), I advise doing long tones every day to improve your sound.

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