Trumpet Lessons in Leasburg, NC

Instruments: Trumpet

I began teaching students in earnest during my senior year of undergraduate school in 1984-85. Prior to graduate school I was an adjunct trumpet teacher at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Part of my graduate assistantship was as an instructor and since graduation I have helped a number of students from beginner to intermediate level achieve their goals in both classical and non classical settings. I have played professionally in a number of different touring groups as well as played in backup bands for national and international artists. 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

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: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I'm trying to put each student in touch with their inner creative. Everyone learns at a different pace and my approach is to teach something to mastery level rather than fill a quota. Inspiration and the joy of playing is first and foremost with my approach. By breaking difficult passages down into digestable pieces and making attainable goals, I find this keeps the student interested and builds confidence to overcome weaknesses. 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