Trombone Lessons in Mount Hamilton, CA

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. Read More

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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I am rigorous and expect my students to do their best, but I'm also patient, understanding and forgiving. I strive to have my students play their notes correctly, and I go beyond that to instruct them in the style in which a piece is to be played. I try to instill confidence in my students, to encourage their muse, and to point them to success in their musical endeavors. I also like to play along with my students as a duet partner, and give them fun music to play. 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 Euphonium

My approach to teaching supports the student in meeting their goals on the instrument, with an emphasis on playing with your best sound. Additionally, the mind is the most powerful tool that any of us have and the instrument is an extension of that. Helping students reach their potential by matching the greatest sound they can imagine to what is produced on the horn. Students will also be exposed to all standard trombone method books, study fundamentals, form healthy habits, learn instrument care, and be encouraged to participate in competitions and extracurricular music activities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My teaching experience began in my first year of college teaching beginning piano. I have since grown my studio from there to teaching trombone. I encourage students to be passionate about what they play while also balancing what we learn through various method books. I found I improved the most when I was playing music I enjoy rather than playing the music that was given to me by my piano teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

Throughout the years I have gained more and more students, but I have never stopped seeing myself as a student as well. I am constantly discovering new musical concepts and ways of teaching those concepts to my students. I still seek out the expertise of musicians I look up to and pass that expertise on to my students. I also find that my students themselves have a lot to teach me. Read More