Trumpet Lessons in Steger, IL

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

Since I have so many ages and levels of students, I customize lessons to fit each student. Through feedback from the student (and sometimes with the help of parents) we figure out together what the students musical goal is. These evolve over time of course, but focusing on playing a certain song, learning scales, composing original music, gaining performing confidence (among other goals) are what I base lesson plans off of. 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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Throughout my life I have been an active member of bands, choirs, and drama. In high school I was a part of every ensemble available including the Lockport Marching Porters, jazz bands, pep bands, and the top group the Wind Symphony for three years. Simultaneously all four years I participated in every choir I could, as well as the spring musicals, often with lead roles. In college I was part of the Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Bands, the Marching Illini: Baritone Squad-Leader, British Brass Band, Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble/quartets, and the Varsity Mens Glee Club chorus. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I believe it's important for them to begin playing the first day. I get the students to make their first sound and teach the technique and theory as they learn their instrument. For beginning voice students I use the same method, but I like to use a song that the student knows. For students with experience I like to have them play or sing something they know and I evaluate that and I will work with them on that song and build their technique. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have been playing trumpet for over 10 years, and have been teaching various students for over 5 years. I grew up in St. Louis, where I studied with musicians in the St. Louis Symphony. During high school, I was selected for competitive music festivals, ranging from Brevard to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Orchestra program. For my bachelors, I attended Northwestern University, where I have studied with famous orchestral players, such as Robert Sullivan, who played in the New York Philharmonic and Cincinnati Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginner students, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements provides a simple and easy to understand method to learning an instrument. For trumpet students, I like to integrate Earl D. Irons, H. L. Clarke, Arban, Stamp, Chicowicz and Caruso studies. In addition to technique, these books offer etudes and duets. For jazz improvisation students, iRealPro, The Real Book and Jamey Abersolds ii-V-I book (Volume 3). In addition to these method books, I also like to stress the importance of sight reading; books like Alan Raphs Dance Band book and other solo repertoire provide good sight reading training. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I have experience teaching with Standards of Excellence as well as Essential Elements, though I am very open to crafting an individualized curricula for students. When planning lessons, I aim to provide students with 1) music to practice from a variety of genres and styles, 2) music that will challenge them in a variety of ways, and 3) creating/composing exercises and etudes that will help the student focus on particular weaknesses in their playing (I have often used music notation software to create individualized etudes for students). Read More