Trombone Lessons in Highland Park, TX

Instruments: Trombone

I have been teaching students younger than me since I was in the 8th grade. I began professionally teaching when I began college in 2015. Currently, I teach students from schools involved in TMEA and ATSSB. My students have had success in All Region auditions, Area auditions, and solo and ensemble. I also encourage my in person students to participate in our annual studio recital, where they will play a solo in front of a live audience. Read More

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

I started teaching guitar lessons in 1999 (20 years this year!) Since those days I've gotten two degrees and taught at colleges, and private institutions, as well as high school and middle schools. I've found that combining textbook music instruction along with learning to play some of the music the student is listening to keeps them growing and engaged. Most importantly it makes learning music fun! I love jazz and I encourage efforts of composition and improvisation to help the student take ownership of the notes they're learning. Read More

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: 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

Instruments: Trombone

My goal with my students is always to see them enjoy themselves while growing as musicians. I want to know what inspires my students and what they strive for as well, though it's always okay if they can't answer that immediately. Learning an instrument is a journey. I believe that the most important part of my teaching style is positive reinforcement. The most successful teachers and mentors that I know or have studied with readily acknowledge a student's strengths and are not afraid of letting them know when they are proud of their 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: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

I have been a music educator in the public schools for over 40 years having taught in Austin, Texas and currently in Fort Worth, Texas. Many of my students have gone to play their instruments in college bands throughout the state. Several former students are currently teaching music at the secondary and college level. I do not approach my teaching to focus on a student's future as a musician. All make individual choices on musical endeavors. Read More