Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

I use a two pronged approach to my lessons. I start with fundamentals, especially focusing on two areas: sound and counting. 1.) Sound: Over the last 34 years, I've found that the student who does not sound good - even though he or she can play all notes and rhythms - will not be pleasing to anyone who hears them play. What good is it if he can play all rhythms and notes and sound bad? Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet

One of my strengths as a teacher is adapting my teaching style to fit the needs of any student I'm working with. For some students, concepts come easily and their motivation is very clear, but for others, it's not always so easy. The biggest virtue that I've found to hold true throughout my years of teaching is patience. I treat all my students as (young) adults, and that means treating them with respect and understanding to the utmost degree. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Clarinet

I have the goal of helping students look at music the way I do: with passion and inspiration. I encourage students to open their minds and set goals for themselves. For example, I would ask them the question, "By playing music, what do you want to accomplish?" I have asked this question to myself many times throughout my life thus far, and it has worked because I have accomplished so much. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone

I am a professional musician and composer who plays a variety of instruments in a huge variety of styles. I enjoy and have experience composing and performing a huge range of styles, from jazz to classical, from rock to latin, and from electronic and ambient to avant-garde chamber music and experimental music. Naturally, I enjoy teaching all of it as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone

For trumpet and trombone, I focus on helping the student to develop a consistent warm-up routine and practice routine. I use my own hybrid method that is based on the classic trumpet repertoire, including Arban, Clark, Stamp, Ba-Lin, and Schlossberg. I use my own hybrid because it is simple, effective, and accessible for students of all ages. When it comes to Jazz Improvisation, I use the piano extensively to help students to learn the theory behind the music. Read More