Trombone Lessons in Venus, TX

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

I believe in learning the fundamentals but I believe that experience should be enjoyable. That's why we "play" music in the first place! This can mean different things to different students but a focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement toward specific musical goals will always be the guiding factor in my approach. I also encourage students to take ownership of the musical skills learned by experimenting with composition and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Ukulele Recorder Euphonium 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

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

Being a veteran teacher of over four decades I have enjoyed watching my students grow from barely being able to hold a musical instrument to outstanding musicians. As a teacher I make sure that my students learn music fundamentals as well as understand musicianship. Above all, I want my students to love music. I have taught as a music educator in the classroom in five different high school Even though all of them became solid programs each came with a different set of problems. 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: Trumpet Trombone

Sound is the most important aspect of trumpet playing, and the good thing is you can practice pretty much anything and still focus on your sound. For beginners I usually supplement their beginner band book with some simple drills from Schlossberg's Daily Drills or some I wrote myself. The Clarke's Technical Studies and Arban's Complete Conservatory Method are great books as well that I use with most of my intermediate/advanced students. 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