Trumpet Lessons in Driver, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

I began teaching trumpet privately 44 years ago. Over the years I have added voice, beginning piano, trombone, euphonium,and recorder to my studio. I encourage each student to practice several times a week for as long as they can. I find that some students like to practice in one sitting, whereas others prefer to practice for 10-15 minutes before taking a break and then returning. I convey to each student that working at your craft for 10,000 hours will make you an expert. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The first opportunity I had to teach someone trumpet was during my junior year of high school. There was a freshman saxophone player who decided to switch to trumpet, so my band director had me teach her. Ever since then, I have been studying different pedagogical techniques for both trumpet and music in general. My belief is that, in order for a student to have the most success, they must set a goal for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Piccolo Mallet Percussion

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun no matter their ability level. If the students need help working on a particular work for their school (ex solo ensemble, college audition, drum corps audition, concert band works, jury auditions, etc.) I am willing to help the students be successful. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar

I always start with getting to know the student and identifying his or her goals. What is the objective? From there, we will map out how we are going to get to that point. Most students' goal is to learn songs, so we will begin by identifying what those songs are. I will then figure out what skills are needed to play those songs, and we will start learning those skills at the most basic level possible, gradually increasing complexity until you have the ability to put those skills together and start rocking out! Read More