Trumpet Lessons in Gladstone, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet

Seeing a student transform from a beginner to a well rounded musician is one of many joys of teaching. I break my lessons into 3 segments;1) required work on fundamental 2) assigned material for overall musical development 3) music that the student has selected of his or her desired interest. With the proper balance, students remain engaged, and excited about practicing and anticpating their next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My teaching experience has been quite rewarding and varied over the years. Every student has a unique and special passion that has drawn them into music and I make sure to acknowledge that in order to maintain that spirit even when a task is in front of them. My main focus is the technical aspect of the instrument, helping the student discover how it works for them, so they can shape the music the best way possible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Some of my favorite and most rewarding feelings in life have been when students have an "aha!" moment. These moments come after consistent engagement with a concept. Thats why I encourage daily practice (of any length, as long as its daily.) I balance grunt work with fun work, making sure that students are learning music THEY want to learn. My lessons usually begin with a short warm up, followed by a review of the goals set last week, followed by the introduction development of a new concept(or two), and concluding with a setting of goals for the next lesson, with the answering of questions all in between. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Piccolo

The bulk of my experience comes from eleven years of performance, in which I have been exposed to the vast majority of flute literature, ranging from standard solo repertoire, to chamber music (flute ensemble/woodwind quintet/flute quartets), to orchestra masterpieces, and to broadway pit orchestras. During my time at Vassar, I was able to teach four other undergraduate students who could not afford to take lessons through the music department. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

I strongly believe in positive reinforcement for all students, especially younger players. It can be hard for people to understand, but progress on brass instruments can be very slow in the beginning which is why DAILY PRACTICE IS A MUST! The facial muscles need plenty of time to develop, so "keeping on the horn the face" is so important. No two students are alike, and everyone learns at his/her own pace. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn

I customize curriculum and study books based on the student's needs. For high school students, I assign a program of etude study, orchestral excerpts and solo work appropriate to their skill level to prepare them for competitive honor ensembles and college auditions. For middle schoolers, I assess their current skill level and method books used in band class; I generally work out of the Rubank method. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

My particular brand of brass pedagogy has roots that trace back to the Chicago Symphony's legendary Bud Herseth. I believe in the pursuit of mastery of many of the basic techniques of brass playing - air movement, flexibility, and tone are the most important pieces of what we do as brass players, and I have collected an arsenal of exercises to build skill in these areas. I use a collection of techniques from a wide range of trumpet players from Ray Mase to Allen Vizzutti to Michael Sachs and will use these approaches to define musical outlook and technique. Read More