Trumpet Lessons in Paeonian Springs, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

My teaching style at a high level is much like I approach most things. If you are having fun, sharing a joke or two while at the same time having direction and purpose then you can accomplish almost anything. I try to give as much feedback as possible without being judgmental or hyper critical. Music is to be enjoyed while at the same time treated with a certain amount of seriousness and dedication. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For young beginners, I start off with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as they are probably already working in this book if they are in bad at school.  Outside of that, I'll typically incorporate key beginning excercises from the Arban's Book to help develop the students sound and chops.  This was how my first teacher taught me, and I found his methods extremely helpful in my early years.  Once they're fundamentals are developed, I will begin to work on the students first recital. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I've been teaching trumpet for nearly 30 years, over half that time since I've been living and teaching in my home studio in Woodbridge, Virginia.  I encourage each student to not just practice, but to practice correctly so as to show them that the quality of their practice time will yield better results than the quantity of the same.  I tell them:   If you practice correctly, you get better. If you get better, you play with better players. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For students just starting out the focus is always on the fundamentals. Hal Leonard has some great Essential Elements books. When students show progress with these types of instruction manuals we'll usually jump to specific pieces of music that focus on the elements that we learned about in our method books. Lessons are tailored to the student and his or her needs and goals. All students aren't shooting to play at Carnegie Hall or tour the World. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Over the past 10 years I have developed different methods of teaching musical concepts so that if the lessons don't make sense the first way I explain them I can teach it from a different angle. Not everyone can learn the same way so you have to be flexible with different teaching styles. I like to make sure the student learns not only what they need to know, but also what they want to know. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

From the first lesson, the most important aspect of teaching is ensuring that the student is attaining the goals he/she is most excited about. If the student is enthusiastic and driven, the rest falls into place naturally. That's the way it's been for the students I've taught, and the way it began for myself. I make sure to celebrate the student's accomplishments and victories, but also address any points or facets of their performance that they could improve upon. Read More