Trombone Lessons in The Colony, TX

Instruments: Trombone

I believe that each student requires differing methods of instruction in order to grow, so I stay adaptable in which exercises and etudes/solos I assign to meet this requirement. I am also generally happy to hear whatever a student wants to bring in if they have suggestions of their own. I think that being open to working on what a student wants to work on, at least most of the time, is instrumental in ensuring that the student stays motivated in their practicing and continues to have fun playing the trombone! Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My approach is methodical and step-by-step. I believe each learning step builds on the last, and that each new skill acquired "unlocks" new abilities and new music that can be played. At core, everything comes down to the twin pillars of fundamentals (including breathing, embouchure, tone, articulation, and range) and music reading, including rhythm and sightreading. In my lessons, I am always warm and encouraging and celebrate success, yet I always direct students' attention beyond what they have just accomplished to the next goal to be achieved. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I try to keep things lighthearted and fun, but also demand a lot from my students and hope for regular practice to push them to new heights. Music is fun, but with hard work the lessons will pay off with the reward of improved music ability. I always incorporate music that the student is interested in and challenge them to be able to play their favorite songs. I tailor my lessons to fit the needs of the student, and cater to all different types of students. 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: 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: 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

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