Trombone Lessons in Claremont, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium Tuba

In my methods of teaching I typically like to focus on what the students want to get better at while also incorporating fundamentals and good habits. I feel that this gives the student the ability to choose what they want to do as well as my chance to show them the right way to learn it and create good habits while playing the instruments. Usually older students I try to focus more on fundamentals and I play through method books like Rochuts or for more advanced students maybe the Bitsch book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone

Forrest gained traction throughout the Bay Area as a lead player and soloist for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Tito Puente Jr., Momotombo, Luis Enrique, Tito Puente, Jr., Mendocino Music Festival Big Band, and Transcendence Theater Company. Additional recording and live performance credits include The Queen Latifah Show with Karmin, Center Stage Opera, Southern California Brass Consortium, Louie Cruz Beltran, Latin Sol, Son Mayor, Jungle Fire, Echo Park Project, For The Record: Scorses, 3D Theatricals, Musical Theatre West, Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, Steve Huffsteter Big Band, Dirk Fischer Nonet, Bruce Lofgren Big Band, Skip Spiro Little Big Band, Urban Renewal Project, Jens Lindemann, Golden State Pops Orchestra, and Philip Lassiter. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

Finding out what inspires the student helps me to construct my instruction to their needs. It is important to understand that each student has their own progression. I make sure to always set realistic goals for my students at each lesson and to acknowledge their accomplishments. This often encourages and excites the student to continue in their progression! I keep it light and I make sure that the student enjoys my lessons and look forward to the next one. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

All of my students, depending on age, go through my curriculum which not only focuses on solo repertoire but learning how to be an essential part of any ensemble. I make sure I plan individual lessons and create overall schemes of work for my pupils so they can develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for them at different stages of their musical development. I extend my own musical experience by becoming familiar with the music my pupils listen to and music that is assigned from their primary music instructor, as well as have them become familiar with other musical styles and by developing improvisation and vocal skills. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

Each student is unique and requires a customized approach to realize their goals. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach to students where they all play the same exercises, etudes, etc. I help students find what works for them, often times we create our own methods or modify existing ones to suit the needs of the pupil. I believe a solid foundation in the fundamentals of music can be very helpful, familiarity with music theory/terminology/notation. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning trombone students, I start by introducing the student to the basics: the mouthpiece by itself. Getting comfortable with producing clear, sustatined tones through the mouthpiece is the key to producing smooth, gorgeous melodies on the whole trombone. I start the first 10-15 minutes of every lesson just on the mouthpiece, and then have the student play unmeasured sustained notes (called "long tones"), exploring the range of the instrument. Read More