Trombone Lessons in Buchanan, NY

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or other method books that they have been using. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo trumpet repertoire as well as popular tunes that will easily engage with them. In addition, I will include some technical exercises to master their skills and endurance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I like to start them on the Hal Leonard Essential Elements. I believe it moves at the proper pacing for young children. For intermediate students, Accent on Achievement works well because I find the music is more challenging. Also I require older students to know scales, primarily Bb, Eb, and F major being that they are the easiest to learn. It is from there that I gradually add a new scale (one every few weeks) until ultimately all 12 major scales are learned. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

It is very refreshing to be able to see the enthusiasm and eagerness of a student in lessons. As someone who still routinely takes lessons, I know firsthand how important the relationship between teacher and student can be. I’m very passionate about fostering a friendly, open environment in which students feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and voicing opinions. In my time teaching and taking lessons, I’ve found that the growth that comes from one on one attention is like no other, and that the solid foundation that private lessons build prepares students for success in other musical settings, as well as in the classroom and, eventually, the workplace. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I enjoy hearing the students natural abilities, understanding what kind of music pours out of them, acknowledge that, and from there we develop it. At the same time, direct the student with technique, theory and any other tools that will facilitate the music they are passionate about. Give the students homework, let them know that there is always another step, to lead by example!  As a trumpet player it is very important to establish a healthy routine that will build your tone, endurance that in the end you understand enough so you can teach and always evaluate yourself. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Recorder

I've also found that a combination of classical and jazz studies can go a long way in helping students enjoy playing trombone and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I have been teaching trumpet, improvisation and theory for ten years and have worked with students from beginner to professional level. I have taught private students, clinics, summer workshops and full band classes. I have worked with the Juilliard Outreach Program, Yamaha Canada, the Sterling Hall School and Roy Thompson Hall's 'Save the Music' program. I have also given university level workshops at schools such as Humber College, Vancouver Island University, Snow College, and the University of Toronto. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Music

For children (beginners), I start with the foundations of trombone playing. I typically start without the instrument at first and focus on breathing, posture, and building muscle memory with slide positions. With intermediate to advanced students, I like to focus on the theory/science behind trombone playing. With a major focus on fundamentals, I build upon the student’s foundations and help to finesse the way they hear their sound in accordance with other players. Read More