Mason B
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Swing
Mason B
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Swing
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 13-80
Bachelor Degree: Oakland University
Music has been a long-time passion for me since I was a kid. In 2003, I was a 3rd grader in Carpenter Elementary School in Lake Orion learning about the orchestra, when one of the 5th grade students or one of my classmates brought his trumpet with him. I knew right then and there that playing trumpet would be my passion and sure enough I got it for Christmas along with a private trumpet teacher, who taught me to master the horn till I was in the 10-11 grade in Goodrich. In the 9th grade, I was introduced to jazz music as part of the jazz band, but till college, I never learned the fundamentals or theories behind jazz music. With the help of some of the best professors, I was able to gain experience of performing in clubs, performing and learning from the professionals through master classes, mastering improvisation, and going into composing and arranging tunes while in Oakland University (2012-2018). Since I graduated, I am now part of a big band called the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, performing at Club 54, and at special events (Christmas show in Grosse Pointe). I’m part of a jazz/funk group called Goodwill Bounty, and I also perform locally around the Flint area with Jazz on Wheels with Pat Cronley, whom I can also give credit for helping me get into the professional jazz world.
For about a year I have taught the students (from the ages of 10-50) trumpet and piano at the Oxford School of music. I’ve got song with the students, but still maintained the get through the lessons. I tried my best teaching them what I know about the trumpet, even though I mostly taught the piano (with the best of my knowledge). There was one time that I remember before the pandemic occurred, on October, I gave a trumpet sectional to the Oxford Jazz band teaching them the fundamentals of the blues and identifying the melody, rhythm, and harmony (form for which to improvise on). I even taught the students the melody to Milt Jackson’s “Bag’s Groove.” Through OU, I took a class on teaching jazz through the jazz band and got the experience of teaching a jazz band during the OU jazz band rehearsal running through “A Warm Breeze” by Sammy Nestico.
For beginner students, I would definitely use Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements for trumpet (Books 1-4). It is always best for new students to start with identifying the notes and the rhythms, along with learning some fundamental exercises to fully master the trumpet. For more advanced/intermediate students (7th or 8th grade), I would start by giving out solo pieces to better prepare for solo and ensemble competitions, all the way till their final year at high school. I even own some of the pieces that my 1st private trumpet teacher, along with my classical private trumpet professor have given me for the occasion. For jazz musicians, I would teach them the blues and how to identify lead sheets, along with learning the three basic elements to learning jazz music: melody, rhythm, and harmony. I believe the most important lesson when it comes to learning jazz music is by listening and transcribing jazz standards. It will be a challenge, but what I can definitely recommend is the “Amazing Slow Downer” app that could really help the student transcribe note for note without ever having to replay so much at the original tempo, whereas you could slow down the recording in order to catch certain notes of the solo with the amazing slow downer. Transcribing tunes can not only help the student identify notes, but help with rhythm and identifying certain licks, as well.
I always want to see students succeed, especially at their given pace. I never want to be known as a mean teacher or be too strict with my students. I want to be a friend and a good guide for them to succeed as best they can. However, I do not want to be too laid back for when it comes to helping certain students really put in the time and practice. I always encourage them to practice the best they really can. It is always important in order for the student to progress, they must try their best to make time to practice, for at least 30 minutes (especially for newcomers). What I believe can help motivate them is by showing examples or sharing video clips of their favorite jazz trumpet tunes or clips. Those always help me motivate to practice my trumpet, but I hope that it can help do the same for my students going into jazz music.
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