Trumpet Lessons in Red Hook, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I typically create my own lesson plans and try to cater them to the student. Most recently I've been working with trying to find a balance of teaching music theory and practical piano. When teaching theory, I often refer to Kotska's and Payne's "Tonal Harmony" for the order of the curriculum, and when it comes to exercises I will either write them out on the spot to demonstrate something to the student (I also feel it is important to SHOW the student how to MAKE music, ie. proper note notation, and symbol shape), or prepare them in advance if the content is more complex. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

For beginning students, I start with Accent on Achievement, book one. Once the student has gotten a grasp of the fundamentals, I then introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student. I will always reference the method book if students are having trouble with a certain technique. For beginning jazz students, I start with the Greg Fishman Jazz books. Once students have mastered this book, I then switch to the omnibook and real book and allow students to learn and try to improvise a solo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner students, I typically start with rote lessons that teach the basics of the instruments. Then, I move into performing basic, pedagogically-appropriate scales, and begin curriculum in the Rubank Elementary Method books. For more advanced students, I usually have them start with the intermediate or advanced method books, and we learn more advanced major and minor scales, followed by arpeggios and chords (if on piano.) Overall, my main objective is for students to have fun and make meaningful connections. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Taking the time to understand my students, their ability to retain information, and execute, as well as their interests, goals and desires musically, is vital to my success as an instructor. While I use many of the collection of standard method books, I find creating unique exercises designed to target weaker areas in a particular persons playing to be more efficient, in cases, accelerating their grasp of fundamentals. Throughout ones progression, repertoire is introduced to reinforce techniques in a musical fashion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

As early as I can remember, music has been a passionate focal point in my life. I graduated from New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music/Mannes Conservatory in 2006 and have made a career as a composer, arranger, producer, conductor, music educator, and pianist for over 15 years. I have had the opportunity to work with legendary artists including Sting, Placido Domingo, Orpheus Chamber Ensemble, Robert Sadin, Rolando Villazón and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More