Trombone Lessons in Granada Hills, CA

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: 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: 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: Trombone Euphonium Music

Typically I like to emphasize fundamentals for my students since solid fundamentals is a foundation for everything else and is something that needs to be constantly maintained and can always be improved regardless of the student's level. In addition, I also take into account what the student is interested in and try to work on music that is engaging, fun, and within the ability level of the student. I use a variety of different method books to suit the need of the student as well as methods and exercises of my own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, its important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress and this makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. 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

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

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More