Trombone Lessons in Athens, TX

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I graduated in 2011 from SMU with my music degree in Trumpet Performance, and have been teaching privately in the Dallas area ever since. Although while at SMU my focus was mainly on orchestral playing and classical techniques, I am equally comfortable playing jazz and commercial styles, and honestly probably play those styles just as much as I do orchestral work now. I love teaching lessons and view each student as a unique way to approach the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with the Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has advanced to where I can see that they have a good grasp of the fundamentals of the instrument, that is typically when I begin to introduce solo repertoire and supplement with my own material. For adult beginners, I typically will try and use the Essential Elements book to start with but not for very long. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I believe that each student requires differing methods of instruction in order to grow, so I stay adaptable in which exercises and etudes/solos I assign to meet this requirement. I am also generally happy to hear whatever a student wants to bring in if they have suggestions of their own. I think that being open to working on what a student wants to work on, at least most of the time, is instrumental in ensuring that the student stays motivated in their practicing and continues to have fun playing the trombone! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

Being a veteran teacher of over four decades I have enjoyed watching my students grow from barely being able to hold a musical instrument to outstanding musicians. As a teacher I make sure that my students learn music fundamentals as well as understand musicianship. Above all, I want my students to love music. I have taught as a music educator in the classroom in five different high school Even though all of them became solid programs each came with a different set of problems. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

My lesson style is unique. First thing first is to have fun. There is no reason you should be taking lessons if you are not having fun playing your instrument. I try to make my lessons educational and exciting all in one. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I know that most of my young students are in their school's band program, so I use a combination of whatever method books they use there plus my own supplemental materials I have found to be effective over years of teaching. If students are preparing for events like All-Region/All-District auditions or a Solo Festival, I spend plenty of time helping them with that. For other students, I have several books of progressive etudes, includes Bordner's Books of Practical Studies and Sparke's Skilful Studies. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I teach my students to practice a growth mindset. As musicians, I find that we can easily become perfectionists. While I think it is important to critique ourselves so we can improve, my policy is that my students critique themselves based on their own progress. For example, instead of comparing themselves to other students at an audition, I encourage them to compare themselves to who they were yesterday. I truly believe that students can more easily reach their full potential when they are focused on growth rather than competition against others. Read More