Trumpet Lessons in Saxapahaw, NC

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I take a very detailed and analytical approach to music performance, and this is reflected in my teaching. I believe many students look at a piece of music that seems too difficult and become too overwhelmed to realize that's it's not as difficult as it may first appear. By breaking down music into its components, pitch, rhythm, dynamic, articulation, etc., and tackling each item one at a time, students who thought of music as a strange and foreign language begin to see it as something that just works and makes sense. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

I started giving trombone lessons to grade and high school student's since 2005. In 2006 I started leading concert and jazz bands. Immediately out of college in 2008 I worked as a music teacher teaching guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and voice for 3 years. In 2011, I moved to Peru where I was the #1 on call jazz trombonist in Lima, and was a trombone professor at the National Conservatory of music where I taught trombone technique and jazz improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I like to say that while I have a very methodical and systematic approach to teaching that I am also relaxed and laid back. I never want my students to fear their lesson. While I expect progress for the serious student I also fully recognize the limitations and conflicts of "life getting in the way". I am a big proponent of giving compliments whenever possible. I am not a cookie cutter teacher in that I can adapt my teaching style to meet the needs and goals of the student. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For students of all ages and skill sets I first like to establish a personalized daily routine of fundamental exercises such as long tones, lip slurs, tone production and articulation if not already had. I use the Bill Adam approach to teaching my establishing a strong core understanding and playing of the instrument. Then working exercises out of the Arbans book, charlier etudes, and Clarke studies to better enhance performance ability. Read More