Christopher R
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Funk, Hip Hop, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Christopher R
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Funk, Hip Hop, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Online
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BA,Loyola University, Music Education
Awards:
- Selected as a finalist for the Jazz Roads Tours program, recognizing artistic merit and commitment to community engagement through jazz performance.
- Awarded a tuition waiver to attend the New Orleans Adult Jazz Camp, providing advanced study opportunities with professional jazz educators and performers.
- Released the original jazz album Hear Me Out, featuring original compositions and performances highlighting personal storytelling through jazz.
- Invited performer at numerous festivals and venues throughout the Southeast, including the Mobile Jazz Festival, Demopolis Jazz Festival, and Highland Park Festival.
- Performed professionally with multiple ensembles, including the St. Louis Big Band, Orlando Big Band, and the After Party Band at regional entertainment venues.
- Studied jazz trumpet with internationally recognized educators and performers including Ellis Marsalis, Bobby Shew, and Dr. David Champouillon, further developing expertise in jazz improvisation, performance, and pedagogy.
- Participated in masterclasses and educational experiences with acclaimed jazz artists including Nicholas Payton and Kermit Ruffins.
- Created and performed original music centered on themes of resilience, family, disability advocacy, and community healing, including works such as "520 on 1st Street" and "Sad Her Days."
- Founded and continues to develop the BrassWell project, combining jazz performance, storytelling, and community outreach through performances at hospitals, libraries, festivals, and support organizations.
- Provides volunteer musical performances for cancer patients and caregivers through Hope Lodge programs, using music as a source of encouragement and healing.
- Currently developing an original jazz musical, A Tale of Jazzwell, integrating original compositions, theatrical storytelling, and jazz performance to bring new audiences to the art form.
Overview:
Hello, my name is Christopher Rice, and I am a jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, educator, and lifelong student of music.
My musical journey began at an early age and has taken me from New Orleans to Birmingham, performing for audiences across the Southeast while studying with some of the most respected names in jazz education. I studied at Loyola University New Orleans and have had the privilege of learning from legendary musicians and educators including Ellis Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Dr. David Champouillon, Nicholas Payton, and Kermit Ruffins.
As a performer, I have appeared with big bands, jazz ensembles, festivals, and live music venues throughout the region. I am also the creator of the BrassWell project, through which I perform original music, tell stories through jazz, and bring live music to communities, libraries, festivals, and cancer support organizations.
In addition to performing, I have spent many years teaching and mentoring students. My approach focuses on helping each student develop confidence, strong fundamentals, and a genuine love for music. Whether you are a beginner learning your first notes, a middle or high school student preparing for auditions, or an adult musician looking to improve improvisation and performance skills, I strive to meet students where they are and help them reach their goals.
Lessons may include:
• fundamentals and technique
• Tone production and range development
• Improvisation and jazz vocabulary
• Music theory and ear training
• Performance preparation and audition coaching
• Sight-reading and ensemble skills
• Practice strategies that produce results
I believe music should be both challenging and enjoyable. My goal is not only to help students become better musicians, but to help them discover their own voice and confidence through music.
If you're ready to grow as a musician, I would be honored to be part of your journey.
EXPERIENCE
METHODS USED
My lessons focus on five core areas:
1. Fundamentals First
Strong fundamentals create strong musicians. We work on breathing, posture, tone production, articulation, flexibility, and range development to build a solid foundation that supports everything else.
2. Practical Musicianship
Students learn how to apply what they practice. This includes sight-reading, ear training, rhythm studies, ensemble playing, and musical interpretation.
3. Performance Confidence
Many students know how to play but struggle to perform. I help students overcome performance anxiety and develop the confidence needed for auditions, concerts, honor bands, jazz bands, and solo performances.
4. Creativity and Improvisation
As a jazz musician, I believe every musician should develop their own voice. Students learn how to improvise, create melodies, understand chord progressions, and communicate through music rather than simply playing notes on a page.
5. Efficient Practice Habits
One of the most valuable skills I teach is how to practice effectively. Students leave lessons with specific goals and strategies that maximize improvement while making the best use of their time.
Above all, I want my students to enjoy making music. Technical excellence is important, but music should also inspire, challenge, and bring joy. Whether a student dreams of performing professionally, earning a scholarship, making an honor band, or simply becoming a better musician, my goal is to help them reach that next level while developing a lifelong appreciation for the art of music.
LESSON STYLE
I don't believe there is nothing is better than having a student who has achieved a goal. So it is so important for me that my student progress at a rate that is fun, yet challenging. I believe goals should be realistic and tangible. We should discuss plans together on what kind of player they want to be. Then I tailor their lessons to them. I follow seven principles in my lessons. Activity, expectations, cooperation, interaction, diversity, and responsibility. These principles make learning a journey together which is enjoyable for both student and teacher.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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