Trombone Lessons in Mill Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

It is my hope that I can give just a fraction of what those wonderful men and women gave to me, back to my students. My first experience teaching was in Marching band camp as a junior and senior in high school. As I became an veteran upperclassman, it became my job to teach the younger Freshmen and Sophomores how to march and play in the marching band. I absolutely loved passing on this knowledge and discovered I had a knack for speaking in public and an ability to clearly explain complicated ideas to my to those listening. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

My teaching style is meant to cater to each students specific needs but above all else is having an understanding of what a brass musician should sound like. Many times young students only hear computerized recordings or recordings from their method books and they have not concept of what the instrument should truly sound like. The use of technology is something that I am a big fan of and resources such as YouTube is a great place to hear these recordings. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I started my teaching career as a private instructor as soon as I entered the Conservatory. Not even two years later, I was appointed to the faculty of the UC Berkeley Young Musician's Program. The Young Musician's Program is designed to offer music and academic private lessons to gifted an underprivileged children. From my time there, I have learned the importance of a positive and encouraging atmosphere in a students' life, regardless of age. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

For beginners, I use the Standards of Excellence book, especially if they are young children because that is the book that they will most likely use in middle school or high school. These books are good for teaching the fundamentals. I also assign a solo piece based on skill level along with an excerpt of a song that the student wants to learn. For more advanced students I use the Arban's book because all trumpet players learn from this book; from intermediate players all the way up to professionals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I've been teaching the brass instruments for over 30 years, and I love to teach my students! I teach all ages, and I tailor my teaching to the student's own pace and abilities. I'm very good at sizing up students and telling them exactly what they need to do to instantly improve their playing. I also include some education in music theory as part of our lessons. I assist and encourage my students to become the best musicians they can be, which includes learning different styles of music, composing their own music, and preparing for auditions and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My teaching style is flexible. One of my teachers asked me up front how hard I wanted him to be on me and thats something we would go over as well. Its important I learn the personality and learning style of the student. Its important to establish a trust and understanding so as not to take criticisms personally so that we can develop weaknesses and build on strengths. Every musician has different strengths and weaknesses my goal is to help them achieve their best musical self to grow their confidence and be as fully realized as possible. Read More