Trumpet Lessons in Fairfax, VA

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Bassoon

I am a consummate musician and music educator. With over 40 years experience in the music education profession, I have taught numerous students, ranging in age from children through adult, beginner through advanced levels. I have considerable teaching experience in both the public and private school setting, as well as at the college and university level. In addition to my teaching activities, I have been active as a soloist, recitalist, conductor, lecturer, author, and administrator. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Over the past 10 years I have developed different methods of teaching musical concepts so that if the lessons don't make sense the first way I explain them I can teach it from a different angle. Not everyone can learn the same way so you have to be flexible with different teaching styles. I like to make sure the student learns not only what they need to know, but also what they want to know. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

It is my belief that there are three components to learning and improving at music: skill and technique, musical creativity, and, most importantly, the genuine desire to learn and play music. An appetite and aspiration to learn is what molded me into the musician I am today, and I consider it to be the most valuable asset to any student. I motivate students to practice, but also encourage them to take time to listen and appreciate all forms of music, so that they may better understand and enjoy it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn Music

We will work at the pace of the students. I will always make a portfolio on a students specific progress and will make weekly plans to accomplish in our lessons. It is my goal to make the student feel that they are progressing and achieving success at their own pace. I am a very relaxed teacher, if there is something the student is interested in we will cover it and be flexible with goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I love music. Music changed my life growing up. I was a very shy kid and music taught me how to connect with others from various backgrounds. I think that music is one of the most powerful forces on our planet. Being a teacher is amazing because I get to share those experiences with my students. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors of Music with a focus on Jazz Studies. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

In the first lesson, I assess the student's current ability and also discuss the student's personal goals and interests in music. Based on this information, I create a daily fundamentals routine for the student to use to improve the basic building blocks of playing a musical instrument. I also allow students to bring in music that interests them from solo material and pieces of music from band class. Approximately half of the weekly lesson is spent on fundamental materials that I assign weekly, and the other half is spent on the student's chosen material. Read More