Trumpet Lessons in Upper Makefield, PA

Instruments: Trumpet

My new students typically spend their first lesson and sometime their second getting used to playing the trumpet for the first time; the goal is to learn proper breathing, posture and tone. I have found the best method book for students is the "Learn to Play the Trumpet/Cornet" method book and always ask that students purchase the Arban's Method book, a must have for any trumpet player. Once the student is proficient in beginning methods, I like to move on to technical studies and the Sigmund Hering Etudes, as well as studies in the Arban's Method; if the student has progressed well enough Concertos and solo performance music will be added. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Harmonica Ukulele Euphonium Tuba Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been singing and playing music all my life, but my instrumental music career began in 1994 when I was handed my first Baritone Horn. Little did I know that i'd spend the next 30 years explaining what a baritone (or euphonium) was to my friends and family. Since then I have played and taught through college in multiple bands and wind ensembles, and also enjoyed a great career in the marching arts - via High School, College, NFL bands, and 2 different drum corps. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Euphonium

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as my own individual exercises written specifically for each student's needs as they develop. After they have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire and etudes for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in as well as where they are at in their musical development and proceed accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

While I stand by a need for fundamental work, it is also very important to understand what the student wants to learn. Upon the first meeting, I typically like to ask the student to show me what their warm-up routine is, and what they are currently working on. This gives me a good groundwork to customize lesson plans for each student. I will then ask them what skills they would like most to improve upon, as well as any new skills they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary from student to student. I believe strongly in making sure students are learning what they want to learn and adapting to every students needs! While I will employ different techniques with each student, I do tend to use several concepts universally. I like to use a Kodly based system to teach all styles of music. All music is taught through internalization by listening and analyzing and then emulation of what is heard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My teaching style is to identify what area a student needs help in and to remediate the problem by creating supplemental materials. Showing students what to practice and how to practice are key elements. My methods are geared to improve tone production, articulation, phrasing and musicality. I strongly recommend that students select classical music to practice. I heavily emphasize the playing of scales and arpeggios. The composers that are the best to study include Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For the last 2 years I have been teaching private lessons at an elementary school and have been teaching group lessons when asked. During the fall I also have been a low brass technician for a local marching band. Finally I have played in many pit performances for local high schools. These opportunities have taught me a lot about being a teacher and a musician. I feel like it is important that teachers themselves never stop being the student and all these experiences, while humbling, have made me a better teacher. Read More