Rachel O  
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Marching Band

I began teaching in 2012 as a senior in high school working at a community music school's summer arts camp in New York. I worked there for five summers as an assistant instructor. I taught beginner and intermediate French horn and trumpet lessons while working there. Many of my students, both at the camp and in my private studio have gone on to make District Bands and Honor Ensembles. I was the brass instructor at a sleep away arts camp in the summer of 2016 where I taught brass ensemble, wind ensemble, jazz band and a chamber ensemble class. I have taught both middle school and high school band where I have worked with students on a variety of instruments at many different levels.

I've found that students always are capable of more than they believe. Encouraging regular practice and finding music that makes the students want to practice is most important. If a student isn't enjoying their lesson, I'm not doing my job! I am always finding ways to keep my students motivated to learn.

For beginning brass students, I typically work on developing on their embrasure and proper playing technique. Getting everything secure right at the beginning is the key to having players who are comfortable and will result in greater successful down the line. I believe that good breathing techniques are the key to playing brass instruments successfully. I will work with students on breathing, buzzing and creating a beautiful sound on their instruments. I also believe that fundamentals are just that- fundamental. Scales, lip slurs and etudes appropriate to the level of my students are all aspects of my methods. For more advanced students I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly. Student goals are incredibly important- my job as an educator is to help students achieve their musical goals.