Trombone Lessons in Hackberry, TX

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Encouraging them to share with their families what they are working is always a good way to assure that they'll have a good support system throughout, which normally gets them more motivated to improve. Making sure they are having a good time throughout our lesson and during their practice times is key. Encouraging them from early on to expose themselves to performances and competitions is something that I always enforce, this is, after all, something that is meant to share with others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For students who are young with no musical background I start with the Essential Elements series. At the next stage, I challenge the student based on their interests. I tend to push students to learn jazz, as its the basis for all drum set playing, but know that most kids are more interested in other more modern styles and accommodate them accordingly. I have a number of books that I can draw from, including Jim Chapin's jazz book, Syncopation, New Breed, Buddy Rich's book, and many more.. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

Sound is the most important aspect of trumpet playing, and the good thing is you can practice pretty much anything and still focus on your sound. For beginners I usually supplement their beginner band book with some simple drills from Schlossberg's Daily Drills or some I wrote myself. The Clarke's Technical Studies and Arban's Complete Conservatory Method are great books as well that I use with most of my intermediate/advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I know that most of my young students are in their school's band program, so I use a combination of whatever method books they use there plus my own supplemental materials I have found to be effective over years of teaching. If students are preparing for events like All-Region/All-District auditions or a Solo Festival, I spend plenty of time helping them with that. For other students, I have several books of progressive etudes, includes Bordner's Books of Practical Studies and Sparke's Skilful Studies. Read More

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: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with the Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has advanced to where I can see that they have a good grasp of the fundamentals of the instrument, that is typically when I begin to introduce solo repertoire and supplement with my own material. For adult beginners, I typically will try and use the Essential Elements book to start with but not for very long. Read More

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

After that I received a bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and then a masters degree in trumpet performance from the University of Texas at Arlington. I keep a busy schedule as a freelance musician and perform regularly with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. I also do the occasional the tour with different groups. One of the highlights of my career so far has been headlining with The Polyphonic Spree at the Marvin Festival in Mexico City in 2016! Read More