Trumpet Lessons in Falmouth, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Fundamentals are so important and always addressed first. Things like finding the best sound possible and physically setting yourself up to play in the most efficient way are the most important at every ability level. If you study trumpet with me, you will work on breathing, finding your most beautiful sound, and basics like scales and long tones. These steps are needed to have the fun and growth that playing an instrument brings. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson with me will be structured like this:Emphasis on basics (scales, studies, tuning, etc)Sight Reading and Ear TrainingLearning techniques through pieces I am always aiming for technical building through the process of working through real music in order to keep lessons fun and engaging. I typically start beginning students with Essential Elements and work through the basics with that approach. 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

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

For young beginners, I start off with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as they are probably already working in this book if they are in bad at school.  Outside of that, I'll typically incorporate key beginning excercises from the Arban's Book to help develop the students sound and chops.  This was how my first teacher taught me, and I found his methods extremely helpful in my early years.  Once they're fundamentals are developed, I will begin to work on the students first recital. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

During his Tenure at James S. Rickards the band was selected as the honor band for the Veterans Day Celebration and was selected to perform a post-game performance at Florida A&M University; Assistant to the Director of Band and Arranger at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia (2004-2005), during his time at Thomasville High the band was featured in a commercial for White Wheat Bread for the Hostus Bread Company. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

From the first lesson, the most important aspect of teaching is ensuring that the student is attaining the goals he/she is most excited about. If the student is enthusiastic and driven, the rest falls into place naturally. That's the way it's been for the students I've taught, and the way it began for myself. I make sure to celebrate the student's accomplishments and victories, but also address any points or facets of their performance that they could improve upon. Read More