Trumpet Lessons in Reston, VA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Everything we talk about carries over past the art of playing the trumpet. For example, learning how to be a team player, creativity, and the reward of daily practice teaches the student about success in many different contexts. I do expect my students to practice at least four to five times a week so that lessons are as productive as they can be. I do try to find out what inspires each student, be it types of music or anything in the outside world. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Keyboard

The most important and rewarding thing for me to see is a student's passion for music encouraged. While trumpet technique and routine will be heavily emphasized for all students, it is important to realize what the student is most interested and excited about learning about. I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers throughout my life who saw my passion in particular areas of music and encouraged it. I would most likely not be a musician if that was not the case, and so I look to push my students towards their passions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

It is my belief that there are three components to learning and improving at music: skill and technique, musical creativity, and, most importantly, the genuine desire to learn and play music. An appetite and aspiration to learn is what molded me into the musician I am today, and I consider it to be the most valuable asset to any student. I motivate students to practice, but also encourage them to take time to listen and appreciate all forms of music, so that they may better understand and enjoy it. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I am always trying to have a fun lesson. I know that some students are in school all day and are tired by the end of the day, so I create obtainable goals for each student. Each week we will be able to see the progress that they have made without feeling discouraged that they did not reach a certain number in their method book. I want all of my students to work hard and I know all of my students can suceed. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

In addition, I consider it of paramount importance to coach performers of all levels to “make music” rather than to merely play the notes on the page: Whether the goal be to prepare him or her for solo and ensemble competitions, concert music, jazz studies or the occasional religious service, conveying the significance of everyone’s own personal interpretation of a composition while performing it is what makes music come alive. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My methods are different for every student, but I always start with fundamentals. This includes scales, exercises to improve sound and intonation, reading, writing, improvisation, and most importantly listening. Depending on the path the student choses, some areas will be focused on more than others. I will often introduce more advanced concepts early if the student displays interest in them. I am not the kind of instructor who will say "play your etudes first and then we can talk about improvisation." I almost quit shortly after I started music because I had an instructor with that outlook. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, having taught private trumpet, guitar, and bass guitar students in Fargo, North Dakota, and continuing to do so in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where I taught guitar, trumpet, and trombone at B's Music Shop. My collegiate teaching experience began at Concordia College, being a Teaching Assistant for a Brass Methods class, and fulfilling a similar teaching the same course at Central Michigan University. Read More