Trumpet Lessons in Washington, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For young students just beginning, I use a system of "music play" which includes games and engaging activities for the child to become interested in music. I borrow heavily from both Music Learning Theory and the Orff Method, as well as include games and ideas that I have found to be creative and educational. After this stage of learning, I start students on basic notation and sight reading, and learning what the notes on the page mean. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Being a music education student, I learn about many methods of teaching that can cater to a variety of different people and musicians. I typically like to create practice sheets, so that progress can be tracked over time. Assessments will be based on effort, and minor improvements over a long period of time, as music takes a lot of patience and time to really improve! I will allow students to bring what they may want to work on, as well as recommendations from myself on some exercises/repertoire to check out. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

My name is Gary and teaching and performing music is my life! I have a wonderful family that loans me out for my music. My wife's name is Sandy and she works for a vet and I have three great children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginner students, I would definitely use Hal Leonards Essential Elements for trumpet (Books 1-4). It is always best for new students to start with identifying the notes and the rhythms, along with learning some fundamental exercises to fully master the trumpet. For more advanced/intermediate students (7th or 8th grade), I would start by giving out solo pieces to better prepare for solo and ensemble competitions, all the way till their final year at high school. Read More