Trombone Lessons in Benbrook, TX

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

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My approach is methodical and step-by-step. I believe each learning step builds on the last, and that each new skill acquired "unlocks" new abilities and new music that can be played. At core, everything comes down to the twin pillars of fundamentals (including breathing, embouchure, tone, articulation, and range) and music reading, including rhythm and sightreading. In my lessons, I am always warm and encouraging and celebrate success, yet I always direct students' attention beyond what they have just accomplished to the next goal to be achieved. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Although each student learns at a different pace and of course has a different personality, one of my favorite things about teaching is seeing their faces light up when they are able to accomplish something they've been working towards. Within teaching lessons, in my experience, has a lot to do with trust. Trust that I am leading the student towards the right direction and me trusting that they are putting the necessary work in to get to that level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in learning the fundamentals but I believe that experience should be enjoyable. That's why we "play" music in the first place! This can mean different things to different students but a focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement toward specific musical goals will always be the guiding factor in my approach. I also encourage students to take ownership of the musical skills learned by experimenting with composition and improvisation. Read More

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

Since most of the students I teach are members of a band program, I make sure that most of my lessons are based on what is being learned at school. Planning an individual practice schedule is imperative for their success but at the same time make it enjoyable so the student will want to practice. Constant acknowledgement of their progress each lesson the student more eager to learn. Even though the school program may require students to learn from specific material, I also tailor instruction to music they enjoy performing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I have a lifelong passion for music, with my passion being in drumming and percussion but having a great deal of experience in trombone and a strong knowledge of guitar as well.  I graduated from Wesleyan University in 2008 with Honors in Music.  I have just recently traveled to Ghana for a 10-month trip to study traditional drumming, Afrobeat drum set style, and more. I also traveled to Ghana in the summers of 2007 and 2008 on grants through Wesleyan allowing me to study traditional drumming more in depth from master drummers there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

For beginner piano students, I start from teaching out of the Piano Adventure Series, and Theory Time books. The Piano Adventure Series is great because the song arrangements have tiered piano proficiency for beginner to intermediate players. After students work in these books, other repertoire can be added to perform for holidays and recitals. For trombone students, I first make sure my students make characteristic sounds and introduce music to meet their playing level. Read More