John S
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&b, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Marching Band

I have been teaching in the private setting since the mid-90s, which I began as an undergrad in Music Education. I taught for about a decade in public schools in Kansas, teaching both band and vocal music to students of all ages at various times. I chose to return to school in 2009 and completed two Masters degrees in performance in classical and jazz trumpet over the next four years. Currently, I teach trumpet and jazz improvisation at Southern Nazarene University, Southwestern Christian University, and Rose State College. I also teach jazz band at SNU. As I mentioned above, I focus a great deal on fundamentals, which, once mastered, helps the student master new materials more easily.

Students of all ages will work out of a technique/method book. Younger students will use Walter Beeler's Method for Cornet/Trumpet, more advanced students will play from Arban's. I emphasize a "classical" approach, especially with younger students to solidify their skills, encouraging intersted students to begin including jazz improvisation into their studies as their skills advance. We work on tone production, helping the student improve in this area through attention to breathing, embouchure, articulation, long tones, lip flexibilities, scales, etc. I like to have students of all ages working on appropriate solo literature as early as is sensible, and try to encourage all students to perform at any opportunity that is suitable. I also encourage students to broaden their experience by participation in honor bands such as CODA, District and State Bands, and band camps, etc.