Trumpet Lessons in Alpine, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I like to start them on the Hal Leonard Essential Elements. I believe it moves at the proper pacing for young children. For intermediate students, Accent on Achievement works well because I find the music is more challenging. Also I require older students to know scales, primarily Bb, Eb, and F major being that they are the easiest to learn. It is from there that I gradually add a new scale (one every few weeks) until ultimately all 12 major scales are learned. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I believe in the "dichotomy" of learning at ones own natural pace, combined with the need to cover all of the rudiments required for building the firm physical and musical foundation required for brass playing. My style and approach in lessons is to be encouraging, upbeat, enthusiastic and to always emphasize the enjoyment and fun that can be attained through good "old fashioned" hard work: Gratification that comes from appying yourself is the most fun of all - especially as you realize your goals! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I started teaching trumpet in my Senior year of high school. As I contiued into college I learned a great deal from some of the best trumpet players in the world. I had the great pleasure of studying under Allen Vizzutti while completing my degree from the Univeristy of Washington. Gaining knowledge from great players only inspired me more to pass it onto ALL my students. Playing trumpet and making music have to be fun and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Here are the things that I want to impart to my piano students in their first 10 weeks of lessons: That I love music and I love teaching them That music lessons are creative and exploratory That creating music is fun and easy That music can tell stories That music is more than pushing down keys That music is art and involves dynamics, speed, feeling, etc. That singing and moving to music is just a part of how we do things in music education That playing the piano the right way (ie. with the right technique) is really important The importance of understanding, feeling and moving to meter (duple/triple) The concept of home, tonic/dominant tonalities and being able to hear and create bass lines That music is made up of chords, patterns, and melodies That they can transpose music into different keys I use Alfred Piano Method, it also dives into intervallic reading, as described above. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

I strongly believe in positive reinforcement for all students, especially younger players. It can be hard for people to understand, but progress on brass instruments can be very slow in the beginning which is why DAILY PRACTICE IS A MUST! The facial muscles need plenty of time to develop, so "keeping on the horn the face" is so important. No two students are alike, and everyone learns at his/her own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Since the majority of my students will earn a living outside of music, I've learned that the number one task is to make music easy to use as a life-long pasttime.My experience with young people has taught me that rather than seeing myself as a music teacher, I'm a teacher who uses music to teach about life. I love connecting musical development to other things we do and talking with students about how musical thinking and discipline affect other areas of our lives. Read More