John M
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Musical Theater, Latin, Salsa, Showtunes, Merengue, Swing, Marching Band, Avant-Garde

I started teaching about fifty years ago including private instruction as well as coaching and conducting bands, orchestras and chamber groups. I have become a better teacher with age since I have picked-up procedures and strategies which have proved effective in encouraging my students to make music. I have also found that young people relate very well to me and feel comfortable in their lessons. Children receive a lot of negative messages today causing some to lack confidence. I love to see my students acquire music skills which can support their egos and help them find where they fit in their social groups.

Reading music is emphasized in school ensembles, yet some students are reluctant to read music. I can accommodate students who'd rather learn exclusively by the aural tradition. When my student is eager to read I like to start with the Walter Beeler Method Book One.  I supplement it with duets.  Some students can work from the Rubank Supplementary Studies along with the Walter Beeler.  Afterwards the Edwards-Hovey Method Book Two is very nice.  When the student masters these the Arban Method usually takes them through high school.  I like to use duets from Miniature Classics and Selected Duets published by Rubank.  The Hal Leonard collections of jazz standards are also very good duets. I like to transcribe and arrange songs for lessons that are popular with my students. We can also work on improvising with backing tracks.