Trumpet Lessons in Ivyland, PA

Instruments: Trumpet

I aim to teach my students the difference between "playing the trumpet" and "making music" and how this distinction is applied to practice. "Playing the trumpet" is a physically demanding task that requires diligent, often tedious practice to become skilled at. "Making music", on the other hand, can be done by anyone at any skill level and is lots of fun. The goal of practicing the trumpet is to become so familiar with the instrument that it becomes an extension of our body and mind, as effortless and automatic to perform as breathing or walking. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

I currently teach at a Charter School in Newark, NJ. I have taught private saxophone and trumpet lessons since I was in high school. Practicing on a regular schedule is the best way for young students to improve, as well as older students to continue to perfect their technique. My goal is for students to have fun while they learn and while they practice. A lot of times, students are not encouraged to practice because it seems too difficult. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar

It is equally important to learn music from method books and through sonic exploration; I have personally learned a lot from books and while "noodling."When teaching trumpet (all skill levels), I use books including Arban's Complete Conservatory Method, Clarke's Technical Studies, and Schlossber's Daily Drills and Technical Studies.For guitar and bass guitar (beginner through intermediate), I start with Hal Leonard's Play Bass Today series. I teach beginner piano with the Bastien series and Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course.I also have a library of alternate method books and additional materials including excerpts, solos, duets, and play-alongs. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

My teaching style is one that is not used much at beginning levels but for me, that's why it works. Teaching a young student how to play the instrument by sound and not by reading notes allows them to use their imagination while playing. When students figure out for themselves, that is when the best kind of learning happens. Of course, this method relies on the student investing in themselves and actually practicing for at least an 30-60 minutes a day for beginners. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I focus on tone production, articulation and phrasing. Sight reading, improvisation and music theory follow next. With clarinet and saxophone students I spend a lot of time on reed selection and care. There are so many misconceptions about reed strength and how it relates to mouthpieces that I could talk about it all day (and usually do). I work on clarinets and saxophones every day and consider myself proficient in identifying problems with instruments and then fixing those problems. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Harmonica Ukulele Euphonium Tuba Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, especially for brass instruments. I also tend to mix in some fun songs that are more well known using my own arrangements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. 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