Trumpet Lessons in San Mateo, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My style is very simple: Dare to be great. I have found that performance in music is believing in yourself. That can only come when you have been taught good fundamentals coupled with freedom of expression to make mistakes. Only then, we have breakthroughs. Only then, we start having fun. Only then, we have the courage to be great. Then you are great. ...and the rest is history. Having said that, I inspire, not drive, my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

For beginners, I use the Standards of Excellence book, especially if they are young children because that is the book that they will most likely use in middle school or high school. These books are good for teaching the fundamentals. I also assign a solo piece based on skill level along with an excerpt of a song that the student wants to learn. For more advanced students I use the Arban's book because all trumpet players learn from this book; from intermediate players all the way up to professionals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

For the exercises the student has mastered, I will assign the next exercise in the series or assign and go over a new exercise that strengthens whatever skill we are working on. If the student has not yet mastered the exercise we will go over it together. I will explain and discuss the technique and theory behind the exercise. I may make a recording for the student or write notes on the exercise for the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

I have played and taught a wide range of styles throughout my life. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2010, majoring in Guitar performance. I have had the opportunity to play in rock bands, jazz ensembles and as a solo performer. I am currently getting my music ed credential at SJSU. I still play frequently in town with my jazz ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I expect practice of the assignments that I give for my private trombone lessons and am a proponent of getting my students to work hard on any weaknesses in their playing. I do set realistic goals and make sure that my trombone students are comfortable with meeting those goals. I encourage trombone students to find new material that they want to do in the future and structure my lessons with the end goal of accomplishing what the student wants to achieve on the trombone. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first began taking private students in the 1990s, and continued to teach privately through my undergraduate years in the early 2000s. Though I stopped for some time to pursue artistic and professional ventures in music, I recently returned to the teaching realm, and am exciting to take on new students. In addition to private brass lessons, I have taught music in public schools through various non-profits and, above all, enjoy the light that comes on in a student's eyes when he/she "gets it." It is why I do what I do. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

If you are beginning and are a child, then Hal Leonard's Essential Elements is a very general and safe place to start. I firmly believe that establishing a solid set of fundamentals is a great place to start. It is important to not lose motivation during this period, progress is rewarding and it gets even better! After a solid foundation is established fundamentally, the individual is opened into a musical world with limitless possibilities. Read More