Trumpet Lessons in West Chicago, IL

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

A native of Seattle, Christine began her musical studies as a classically-trained trumpet player. Moving to Chicago and collaborating with jazz colleagues led her to pursuing a master’s degree in vocal jazz. She was accepted into one of the nation’s leading jazz institutions, the University of North Texas. There she focused on her new passion for singing, honing her skills in piano, songwriting, arranging, and improvisation. Since completing her master’s, Christine has enjoyed teaching piano, voice, trumpet, and theory to students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginners, I advise them to purchase Essential Elements or another book of equivalent level, and we would be able to work through these basic exercises and melodies so that the student can learn fundamentals. I also ask beginners what song they would like to play, and I would transcribe the notes for them so that we can work towards something they want to achieve in the near future. For players who are intermediate level and above, I think it is important to point out what people do well, and then as a teacher provide feedback on how they can get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music Keyboard

It is important to have a broadened perspective of what it means to be a well rounded musician while having concentrated study in a specific genre or idiom. In my lessons, I strive to cover the major elements required to be a successful trombonist or musician in not only the jazz idiom, but the general music industry as a whole. These subjects include: sight reading, music theory, aural training, music listening, improvisation, composition, arranging, basic music notation, basic music recording techniques, historical and cultural contextualization, music entrepreneurship, and performance edict. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My ultimate goal as an educator is for each student to find their love for trumpet and music making. I push my students to be the best musicians they can, so with each student I create realistic and measurable goals. My approach is very student centered, so I make myself available outside of lessons to clarify or answer any questions the student may come up. I believe that each student learns in their own way, so I develop an educational plan specifically tailored to the students strengths and weaknesses. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I taught private lessons several years ago during my undergraduate study at the University of North Texas. While I enjoyed it at the time, I remember thinking that I needed to concentrate on my own study to improve any teaching skills I had up to that point. I also had classroom experience with middle school band students during my undergraduate study - leading rehearsals and demonstrating proper tone production and articulation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

It is important to use relatable and relevant music in addition to classical and jazz. Everything from Bach to Charlie Parker to Ariana Grande deserves respect and being open minded from a teachers point of view is very important to retain students. Furthermore, it is crucial to not overcomplicate musical concepts. Too many teachers try to confuse their students with the objective of feeling powerful and intelligent. This usually just drives students away. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

While a consistent practice schedule is ideal but the same principle applies here: focused practice is ideal, practicing just to get in the hours will not progress a students ability (I know from personal experience). Some students enjoy learning exercises from a book while others enjoy learning pop songs by ear, forcing book exercises on a student who may want to learn Ariana Grande songs will result in inefficient practice. Read More