Trumpet Lessons in Point Richmond, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

There is a lot more to playing the trumpet than just blowing into the horn. Breathing, embouchure, and tuning are essential elements of playing the trumpet. I will focus on these things at the beginning of the lesson because it affects the sound every time we play. Then, I will use different books depending on the level of the students or we can go over pieces you have from being in an ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I've performed on trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone and French horn for over 40 years, and I love to play in many different styles and groups. I've played in symphony orchestras as well as concert bands, both amateur and professional. I've played top 40's with various rock, Latin and R&B bands, vintage dance music from the 19th and 20th centuries, and both Modern and Traditional Jazz. I also arrange and compose music for various ensembles, including my own groups. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In my lessons, I advocate for a strong emphasis on tone and technique. Getting these aspects of trumpet playing down are extremely important as the trumpet is a very physically demanding instrument. I have many different levels of method books to work from, but one of the biggest and most comprehensive is the Arban's book. It has exercises ranging from the most basic tone production, to very advanced tonguing and lip slur exercises and is great for students of all levels. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I start lessons by warming up and doing exercises. For children, I do this in a listen and response setting. Then I will work through school songs or performance pieces, focusing on rhythms first, notes second and musicallity third. These 3 aspects lead to musicial mastery. I finish each lesson with an easy cool down. With in each lesson, I focus on musical styles that the students are interested in and work towards goals that the student set for themelves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I expect practice of the assignments that I give for my private trombone lessons and am a proponent of getting my students to work hard on any weaknesses in their playing. I do set realistic goals and make sure that my trombone students are comfortable with meeting those goals. I encourage trombone students to find new material that they want to do in the future and structure my lessons with the end goal of accomplishing what the student wants to achieve on the trombone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

My teaching style is catered to the pace and interests of the student. Small achievements are the keys to great success, and acknowledging these achievements is essential to maintaining interest in learning music. I work together with students to find and set short term, midterm, and long term goals so that visible growth of their abilities can be observed, tracked, and appreciated. Through this process, anything can be achieved. Keeping a journal with dates, times, goals, practice logs, and general notes about your experiences can be extremely helpful along the path to mastery. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I use a two pronged approach to my lessons. I start with fundamentals, especially focusing on two areas: sound and counting. 1.) Sound: Over the last 34 years, I've found that the student who does not sound good - even though he or she can play all notes and rhythms - will not be pleasing to anyone who hears them play. What good is it if he can play all rhythms and notes and sound bad? Read More