Trumpet Lessons in Dale City, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

I find when students have some input into the songs they want to learn they have more fun and more successful, which leads them to sticking with their instrument and loving music as much as I do. Because of this it has lead me to arrange popular songs you hear in video games, movies, and on the radio into more basic and playable versions for beginner players. They love showing off these songs to family and friends! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For students just starting out the focus is always on the fundamentals. Hal Leonard has some great Essential Elements books. When students show progress with these types of instruction manuals we'll usually jump to specific pieces of music that focus on the elements that we learned about in our method books. Lessons are tailored to the student and his or her needs and goals. All students aren't shooting to play at Carnegie Hall or tour the World. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Everything we talk about carries over past the art of playing the trumpet. For example, learning how to be a team player, creativity, and the reward of daily practice teaches the student about success in many different contexts. I do expect my students to practice at least four to five times a week so that lessons are as productive as they can be. I do try to find out what inspires each student, be it types of music or anything in the outside world. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My philosophy in teaching the trumpet is based on the individual needs of the student at their particular stage of development.   I strongly believe in reinforcing the fundamentals of brass playing: Proper breathing, air support, correct embouchure and tongue placement are all crucial elements for the trumpeter to achieve production of a clear and open sound.   Once such sound production has been attained in the lower and mid ranges of the instrument, the capability of the player to produce higher tones increases with proper practice and the help of studies of the overtone series as well as the playing of scales.   Rhythmic and metered playing must also be exercised for the sake of re-enforcing the ability to play in tempo and for rendering unfamiliar rhythm patterns manageable.    Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have been a music educator for seven years in the public school system in Virginia and have been teaching private trumpet lessons for 16 years. My students have achieved on different levels and have been accepted to major music universities along the east coast including JMU, VCU, UVA and Berklee College of Music. I currently teach online lessons out of my home. I am happily married to my wife Lindsay and we have a daughter as well as a dog, who sometimes might make a guest appearance in our lessons! Read More