Trumpet Lessons in Riverwoods, IL

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music Keyboard

I was fortunate enough to receive partial scholarship to attend the DePaul University School of Music and concentrate my work there in Jazz Studies. During my time at the university, I had the opportunity to broaden my perspective on the trombone by studying with several of the trombone faculty. I spent most of my time working with Tim Coffman, but was able to work with composer and arranger, Thomas Matta, and Charles Vernon, the bass trombonist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

When working in private lessons, I work with each student to set goals, both long and short term. I then assume the role of a guide whenever possible, rather than an authoritarian figure, so that sudents can discover concepts for themselves vs. having the information given to them. When students discover the concepts for themselves, they tend to understand them much better because they have learned them through practical use. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

To me, the key element for a successful learning experience is to engage the student in the lesson and during their individual practice. I have battled with ADHD my whole life and I distinctly remember daydreaming during many of my classes in college, retaining little-to-no information. It is very difficult to engage with a topic as complex as music, but it is crucial to absorb every second. My main priority during a lesson is engaging to student in the session material, typically fun and exciting ways. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I start my students with a single lesson where I gain a knowledge about the student's musical abilities and personality. I don't generally start with a single method book, because I believe that in individual lessons, the methods used should be tailored to fit the student. I will pull from Essential Elements, Accent on Achievement, and Standard of Excellence, as well as writing and devising my own warm ups and methods. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

For the past 20 years, I've studied and performed with keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments while exploring a very wide variety of music ranging from classical and rock to jazz and avant-garde. Expanding and sharing that knowledge with other people in a helpful and friendly manner is something that I consummately enjoy- especially if they're beginning where I once was. My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from DePaul University, and I've been working on my Music Education Certificate at UMSL since August 2014. Read More