Trumpet Lessons in Ruby, VA

Instruments: Trumpet

My teaching experience began in my high school band, when I helped younger students who were just starting out. Having been the beneficiary of wonderful music lessons myself, I could easily see their importance and began to apply the techniques that had been taught to me. Most of my experience teaching is with younger students and beginners, though I have worked with intermediate-level students as well. I enjoy helping students transition from awkward beginnings into true musicians. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

In the first lesson, I assess the student's current ability and also discuss the student's personal goals and interests in music. Based on this information, I create a daily fundamentals routine for the student to use to improve the basic building blocks of playing a musical instrument. I also allow students to bring in music that interests them from solo material and pieces of music from band class. Approximately half of the weekly lesson is spent on fundamental materials that I assign weekly, and the other half is spent on the student's chosen material. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I am primarily a trumpet player, although I am versed in other instruments as well. I attended Manhattan School Music and studied with some of the best trumpet professors and players in the country. While living in New York, I played in all sorts of groups from Orchestras to Jazz bands to Salsa. Since moving to this area I have expanded the styles I have played to include Blues, Reggae, Disco, RB, Wedding Bands, Hip Hop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I love music. Music changed my life growing up. I was a very shy kid and music taught me how to connect with others from various backgrounds. I think that music is one of the most powerful forces on our planet. Being a teacher is amazing because I get to share those experiences with my students. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors of Music with a focus on Jazz Studies. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

A typical lesson with me will be structured like this:Emphasis on basics (scales, studies, tuning, etc)Sight Reading and Ear TrainingLearning techniques through pieces I am always aiming for technical building through the process of working through real music in order to keep lessons fun and engaging. I typically start beginning students with Essential Elements and work through the basics with that approach. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

My philosophical statement is that every child or adult should have the right to learn and gain a quality musical education no matter what their racial or sexual or religious identities etc maybe. I also encourage the importance of allowing each student to work at their own pace as they strive to achieve their goals of being a professional musician. I encourage this by working with each student to set realistic goals via the SMART method at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have been a music educator for seven years in the public school system in Virginia and have been teaching private trumpet lessons for 16 years. My students have achieved on different levels and have been accepted to major music universities along the east coast including JMU, VCU, UVA and Berklee College of Music. I currently teach online lessons out of my home. I am happily married to my wife Lindsay and we have a daughter as well as a dog, who sometimes might make a guest appearance in our lessons! Read More