Trumpet Lessons in Hawthorne, NY

Instruments: Trumpet

My first objective when meeting any new student is to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what their overall goal in music is; whether it’s learning a new piece, playing jazz, playing for fun, getting first chair or making it into an ensemble. Being a classically trained trumpet player, I have come across nearly every issue and technical exercise imaginable. For all my students, I want to make sure that they are playing the trumpet correctly physically and not forming any bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

I was born in Newark New Jersey in 1948 and began a life long love affair with the Trumpet at the age of three and a half years old. By the age of twelve I was performing in local clubs and was exposed early on to Newark Jazz greats such as Sarah Vaughn, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw and Larry Young. In 1966 through 1969 I attended the University of Wisconsin and majored in music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I successful warm up exercises for all of my students. These exercises typical touch on the basics fundamentals that are incorporated in playing trumpet. Long tones to develop sound and tone... Lip Slurs to develop flexibility and strength of embochure muscles. As we develop the basics, we will progress through First Book of Practical Studies for Cornet and Trumpet by Robert W. Getchel. All while paying close attention to tone production and facilitating articulations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I have worked as an arranger and composer on a variety of albums and concerts with Grammy Award winning artists such as Sting, Wynton Marsalis and Rolando Villazón among many others. I have served as a music director for a number of productions and international tours. Throughout it all I have maintained a consistent schedule of teaching including both privately and in the classroom. My strength is my wide variety of musical experiences which I bring into every lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I strive to give my students all the tools they need to become complete musicians who can play, listen and connect with music on an active level. I work with my students to develop a strong technical foundation on their instrument, from which we can explore harmony, rhythmic training, ear training and theory. Beginner students will eventually be able to read and interpret sheet music, improvise, learn songs by ear, and compose music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or other method books that they have been using. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo trumpet repertoire as well as popular tunes that will easily engage with them. In addition, I will include some technical exercises to master their skills and endurance. 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. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have two main philosophies I base my teaching method on, regardless of age, skill level, or genre. 1) Fundamentals are extremely important, and 2) Music is an aural experience. To expand on my first point; a tree is only as strong as its roots. If a player has a strong understanding of the building blocks of music, the sky is the limit. I begin every lesson going over these fundamentals in some way. Read More