Trombone Lessons in West Highlands, CO

Instruments: Piano Trombone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

The first thing I do when teaching a student is to learn what musical goals and aspirations the student may have. Then, depending on age and experience, I build a custom program for the student, which may include using various books, resources, and even materials which I have created. I have found that this is not only the most effective way for me to teach but also the most effective way to connect with students where they are and for them to learn at their own pace while also enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience began in Webster, South Dakota as their high school band director for 11 years. I was then invited to move back to my college town of Brookings, South Dakota to be their middle school band director. I moved to Sioux Falls and taught in the Catholic School System for a number of years. Then I was fortunate to teach my last 11 years in beautiful southern California where I taught instrumental music at elementary to high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

When I'm working with beginning students, my defaul method book is Essential Elements. However, if students have another book for a school band class, I am more then happy to work with them to preserve some line of consistency in the students education. As they progress, I look to find more advanced etude and solo books, focusing on music that is of interest to the student. Practicing music should be fun, and I try to make it fun, while maintaining an emphasis on fundamentals and musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I start with the fundamental book that they use at school in their band class. If the student is not in a class yet, I would recommend starting with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I also have a collection of fundamentals and warm ups that I have saved from my middle school, high school, and college years that I will use with students depending on ability level. For students of all ages and ability levels, I have found it to be helpful to know what kind of music they are interested in and incorporate that into my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music! I graduated from Ole Miss in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with minors in both Music and English and I graduated again in 2012 with a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language with a subfield in Music. I've played trombone since 1998 and have performed professionally since 2002 across the entire spectrum of genres and venues. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students I teach the fundamentals: holding the instrument, explaining how it works, and then how to make a sound. I focus on sound first and foremost, trying to make a pure sound, and then hearing and being able to understand how the instrument works. I don't get into simply reading exercises until the student has a firm grasp and enthusiasm for the instrument. With older students I work with what their goals are; for example if All-State Band is the goal we focus on playing band excerpts and the level of fundamentals needed to get there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

Getting to know my students is what ultimately shapes my teaching style. I keep a positive attitude and use specific feedback as motivation. Read More