Trumpet Lessons in Delaplane, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

The most important and rewarding thing for me to see is a student's passion for music encouraged. While trumpet technique and routine will be heavily emphasized for all students, it is important to realize what the student is most interested and excited about learning about. I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers throughout my life who saw my passion in particular areas of music and encouraged it. I would most likely not be a musician if that was not the case, and so I look to push my students towards their passions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Sometimes while learning how to play an instrument teachers and students can get so wrapped up in how to play that they forget why they play. I always set aside time to work on pieces that are fun so that practicing and playing is not drudgery. Challenges are great to grow abilities but it is good to play music that is very easy for you so that the love of music and the joy it brings stays with you. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching music to students has always been a huge passion of mine and developing a love of music is always my top priority. I had a lot of bad habits that developed over years so it will always be my goal to make sure this isn't the case with my students. Playing music should be fun, never too hard or painful. I will put a big emphasis on posture and building proper habits from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Beginner Piano - I typically start out with Faber's Piano Adventures Series. Once they have grasped the reading of music, scales, and arpeggios I start branching out into a fundamental book such as Finger Power and we start working on songs that they find fun and interesting. Once we get into the grove I start teaching more in depth theory. Beginner Band/Orchestra - I typically start out with the method book that is used in your school district. 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: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More