Trumpet Lessons in Leasburg, NC

Instruments: Trumpet

Even though I received my Masters degree in Trumpet Performance 30 years ago I have remained an active player in classical, big band, musical theater and church settings and enjoy sharing my experience and teaching backgrounds to inspire and motivate trumpet students of all ages. While music is not my vocation I have enjoyed playing and teaching privately as my avocation/hobby for more than 30 years. My wife is a retired elementary school music teacher and both my children are involved in music as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I take a very detailed and analytical approach to music performance, and this is reflected in my teaching. I believe many students look at a piece of music that seems too difficult and become too overwhelmed to realize that's it's not as difficult as it may first appear. By breaking down music into its components, pitch, rhythm, dynamic, articulation, etc., and tackling each item one at a time, students who thought of music as a strange and foreign language begin to see it as something that just works and makes sense. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

Most teachers use a Hal Leonard beginning book. Essential Elements (EE) is popular, as well as Accent on Achievement. I'll be using EE for beginners. I drill ear training, and will have the student memorize simple songs to beginning not only increasing their repertoire, but a fun way of practicing scales. Depending on the level, there are different books that are appropriate, however I focus on the fundamentals with each student and add on. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For students of all ages and skill sets I first like to establish a personalized daily routine of fundamental exercises such as long tones, lip slurs, tone production and articulation if not already had. I use the Bill Adam approach to teaching my establishing a strong core understanding and playing of the instrument. Then working exercises out of the Arbans book, charlier etudes, and Clarke studies to better enhance performance ability. Read More