Trumpet Lessons in Kenilworth, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students, I usually work with Hal Leonard's essential elements as well as use the piano as a tool for them to hear the pitches they are playing. Once the fundamentals are grasped we can work on introductory solo repertoire. For children I'd like to make this a bit more fun as well, introducing some easy tunes they will be familiar with or excited to play. (for example, Jason Derulo's song "Trumpets") For adults, I think its best to find out what their interests are and we can target what to work on from there. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The best lesson I learned before attending college, my trumpet teacher taught me, "If you sound good while practicing, you're not really practicing", which I make sure to mention multiple times. I never try to overload my students with too much material, but instead try to understand what they would like to learn, and develop lessons and exercises from that. Brass instruments require commitment, and although difficult, playing should seem fun, instead of a chore. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

Bobby Shew is unanimously revered as the "Yoda" of the trumpet. A Jazz legend; the biggest names in the business go to seek his help when they encounter issues in their playing. As a teacher/educator I love to see progress from my students, but I think the thing that brings me the most joy and satisfaction is to see excitement and passion develop and expressed from students as they discover the beautiful layers of enrichment that music has to offer to their lives. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

Begining Students I work on creating a nice tone and understanding of instrument as a whole.  I use standard of excellence training books and move on depending on students willingness and skill. Teach Jazz Improv to all levels.  Concentrate on jazz vocabulary, expression, style, and creating in the moment. Also teach meditation which leads to better practice and healthier living. I focus on the use of air over buzzing which improves range and technique vastly. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I directly relate my teaching methods to Dr. Jan Kagrice, the founder of Musician's Wellness of North America; an organization that rehabilitates musicians with conditions that affect their ability to play their instruments. I've continued her teachings of a relaxed, observational form of playing, which basically means that my students learn how to play a brass instrument with the least amount of effort possible with the best sound possible. The method is also very body-oriented, with healthy stretches and focus on a sustainable way to play these instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with the method book that the child is given by the school Music teacher, making certain that they are at least adequately prepared to play their assigned studies (or pages) for their school Music lesson. I also incorporate playing the Duets provided in that volume, along with the students. I then suggest that they purchase other necessary methods, duets and solos at their local Music Store(s), as they progress, and they will therefore require more advanced Musical materials than that used at their school. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I've also taught nearly 400 students over the past 7 years, including 3 years at the collegiate level. I have been internationally recognized for excellence in music performance, composition, arranging and/or education through 20 awards, commissions and/or grants presented by the International Trumpet Guild (2X), The International Songwriting Competition (3X), The Herb Alpert Foundation, the Banff Center (2x), Chamber Music America, the School for Improvisational Music, the International Society for Improvised Music, the Association for Popular Music Education, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers, the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the Juilliard School, the Actors Fund/Local 802 Musicians Union, the Jazz Foundation of America, the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance, the Recording Academy/MusiCares, and the University of Colorado Boulder Music Advisory Board. Read More