Trumpet Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first began taking private students in the 1990s, and continued to teach privately through my undergraduate years in the early 2000s. Though I stopped for some time to pursue artistic and professional ventures in music, I recently returned to the teaching realm, and am exciting to take on new students. In addition to private brass lessons, I have taught music in public schools through various non-profits and, above all, enjoy the light that comes on in a student's eyes when he/she "gets it." It is why I do what I do. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In my lessons, I advocate for a strong emphasis on tone and technique. Getting these aspects of trumpet playing down are extremely important as the trumpet is a very physically demanding instrument. I have many different levels of method books to work from, but one of the biggest and most comprehensive is the Arban's book. It has exercises ranging from the most basic tone production, to very advanced tonguing and lip slur exercises and is great for students of all levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For my students on I usually have them play out of the Alfred's Basic Piano Library. For other instruments we usually look at where students levels are at and work from there. From there I find what they like to practice and work on so they are able to grow. I also give my students scales each week to work on to use as warm-ups and build their dexterity. For my students we also look at the theory behind the music we are playing and use various theory worksheets that work on rhythm or we work out of a basic theory book that works best for the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

I have been teaching music since high school, where I was the brass section leader. I began to teach and play guitar in high school as well. I have taught all ages, including small children as well as senior citizens. Teaching is always refreshing and challenging- every day is different! Every student has a unique perspective with his or her own learning style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

I am a professional musician who has been gracing the stages, classrooms, and homes of the San Francisco Bay Are for almost 20 years. I absolutely love music and the benefits it can bring to our lives. Whether I am on a stage bringing joy and good times to an audience or sitting one on one with a student helping them understand a tough musical concept, I bring the same passion and knowledge to the table. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I use a two pronged approach to my lessons. I start with fundamentals, especially focusing on two areas: sound and counting. 1.) Sound: Over the last 34 years, I've found that the student who does not sound good - even though he or she can play all notes and rhythms - will not be pleasing to anyone who hears them play. What good is it if he can play all rhythms and notes and sound bad? Read More