Trombone Lessons in White Rock Lake, TX

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For students who are young with no musical background I start with the Essential Elements series. At the next stage, I challenge the student based on their interests. I tend to push students to learn jazz, as its the basis for all drum set playing, but know that most kids are more interested in other more modern styles and accommodate them accordingly. I have a number of books that I can draw from, including Jim Chapin's jazz book, Syncopation, New Breed, Buddy Rich's book, and many more.. Read More

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: Piano Trombone

When learning to play an instrument, I believe it is important to start at a slow pace to make sure students comprehend all of the musical elements. To all of my students, I will treat them with kindness and honesty. Honesty is important as a teacher because my goal is to help students find where they can grow and show them ways to do so. For all of my students, I expect them to practice each day and put all of their attention to refining their art. 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: 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: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Along with fundamentals, I always start incorporating music theory, to help them better understand how music is structured and to further train their ear. Of course, depending on the level will depend how far we get into music theory. Even though they might be taking trombone lessons, I don't want to necessarily train them to be a trombone player, but rather a musician. After which, will come repertoire, including solos, method books, jazz charts and orchestral excerpts. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I graduated in 2011 from SMU with my music degree in Trumpet Performance, and have been teaching privately in the Dallas area ever since. Although while at SMU my focus was mainly on orchestral playing and classical techniques, I am equally comfortable playing jazz and commercial styles, and honestly probably play those styles just as much as I do orchestral work now. I love teaching lessons and view each student as a unique way to approach the instrument. Read More