Trumpet Lessons in Rockdale, IL

Instruments: Trumpet

The methods I use are dependent on the ability level of each particular student. For beginning students, they usually have books given to them (i.e. Essential elements) by their band director at school - which is a fantastic way to start. I think it really depends on the needs of each individual player. There are several great trumpet method books such as Arban's complete conservatory method, Clarke's technical studies, Schlossberg's Daily Drills, etc. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My teaching style is very laid back and organized. I look at where the student is, go back to the basics with them if needed, and go on from there. I encourage all my students to practice whenever they can but to also live life. I tell them that if they're just sitting around watching TV (or YouTube these days) to just play a few scales or a excerpt from a piece they are working on during commercial break. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

Basically I start with questions on why the individual wants to learn how to play that particular instrument. Then I follow with how much do they know about the instrument of their choice. So following a brief historical lesson we get into how to start playing that instrument. Also why I love to play that instrument and why I'm playing it with passion. I start teaching with basic scales or vocal warm-ups. 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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba English Horn

For the newest of players who may also be children, I usually begin teaching out of The Yamaha Advantage series for beginners. Once the student has demonstrated a strong understanding of the fundamentals of brass playing, I will begin introducing them to different solos, scales, and other repertoire in the hopes that they may want to perform in competition or recital. For more advanced players, I try to find out what the student's specific goals are, and work with them to best achieve said goals. Read More

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

The most effective teachers that I have had were teachers who recognized these important factors in the student-teacher relationship- that the best education experiences occur when both the student and the teacher embark on a positively-reinforced exploration together as opposed to the teacher solely dictating negatively to the student. It's with this spirit that I intend to conduct every lesson that I teach, because it is also through making the relationship one of mutual exploration and nurturing that I will give my past experiences of joy to my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Regardless of ability, I think it is important to cater to the goals of my students, and help them achieve whatever they want in their own playing, whether it is a difficult piece to learn, wanting better articulation or increasing range and endurance. Whatever the student wants to learn with trumpet, I can help them with. Reaching a high level of playing has required struggle and effort on my part, but my teachers were able to consistently motivate me to become a better player to do this. Read More