Trumpet Lessons in Fredericksburg, VA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back to my college days when I began teaching a small clarinet choir at a private school close to my campus. I graduated from college and began working as a middle school band director. During the middle part of my career I was the assistant director for the local high school band, but my true love was working with the middle school students. I remained a head middle school director until my retirement a few years ago. 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 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 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 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