Trombone Lessons in Soma, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

The first lesson is always a trial lesson, in it I attempt to access where the student is musically. I also use the time to find out what the student's musical goals are . We look at things like reading, theory, dexterity on the instrument. If the student plays a wind instrument we look at things like embouchure and breathing. Once I have gotten a good idea as to the student's skill level and have spoken to the student about their musical goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching styles revolves around the student and his/her needs. But above all, I love to see the joy of music speak through the students own earned skill through hard work. Achieving goals, and succeeding is the platform for building confidence and gaining great joy from the learning and playing of music. All students will be required to learn scales, etudes, solos, and other repertoire to bolster his/her musical goals abilities; but beyond that, I open to what the student wants learn, and what he/she is able to bring to the table. 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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I teach all my students the fundamentals, including correct breathing and playing techniques. My young beginners usually start with an elementary method book plus exercises and songs customized for each student. I am familiar with and have taught from all of the books that are currently available. My favorites are Standard of Excellence, Essential Elements, Ed Sueta's Band Method, and Rubank's Method. For my more advanced students, I use Arban's Complete Conservatory Method. Read More

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: 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

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. Read More