Trombone Lessons in Avalon, CA

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is unique in that I do not push directly for quality. I believe that quality should be the natural product of efficient practice, which can only be achieved by early introduction to good technique, good habits, and positive motivation. When I start with a student, my goal is to make them smile and laugh. Students with a positive association with their instrument and playing it will be more inclined to listen and more inclined to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Piccolo Oboe

I started teaching violin about 15 years ago. A few years later I started teaching viola and cello. When I got to CSULB I started learning all the band instruments. I did some coaching for several years at middle schools and high schools. After that I bought a lot a wind instruments and started to teach wind instruments privately. Playing and teaching each instrument is like entering a different world. Each instrument is special in its own way. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium

Everybody is different, and everyone responds to different types of motivation. As a teacher it is part of my job to find out what that is for each student. I believe that success breeds success, and starting with achieveable goals and realizing results will motivate and inspire a student, but there is also no getting around practice, you must put in the time on your instrument to be successful and to progress. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For students learning their first instrument and learning how to read music, I like to spend the majority of the time buzzing on the mouthpiece, breathing, as well as studying and playing easy warm ups such as Remingtons. This way students can build their fundamentals for their instrument at the same time they are developing better reading skills. For more advanced beginners I have them read easy etudes to develop their reading and overall musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

Of course, everything depends on what you, the student, want to learn! For younger students that are just starting, I've found the Accent on Achievement books to be very helpful in developing the basics of playing. From there, Classically-focused players would learn solo repertoire, Jazz-focused players would learn standards and improvisation, and all the other genres would begin to narrow down their appropriate fields. Adults are certainly welcome as well and I'd love to help them learn whatever they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I have an easy-going style of teaching where I focus on the interests of the student first. The reality of learning an instrument is that unless practice is fun and interesting, there will not be enough of it. As such, I make sure to gamify the practice and find concrete ways to measure the progress of the student. In the end, I find that building a deep interest and encouraging a passion for music is a sure-fire way for students to grow as musicians while enjoying the journey at the same time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More