Trumpet Lessons in Westfield, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Music

I strongly believe in positive reinforcement for all students, especially younger players. It can be hard for people to understand, but progress on brass instruments can be very slow in the beginning which is why DAILY PRACTICE IS A MUST! The facial muscles need plenty of time to develop, so "keeping on the horn the face" is so important. No two students are alike, and everyone learns at his/her own pace. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I work with all of the standard brass methods, selecting those that are appropriate for the individual. For example, Rubank, Hal Leonard, Schlossberg, Herbert Clarke, Arbans, Charlier, etc. I believe in teaching technique as much as possible through MUSIC (not just exercises). To this aim, I encourage students to play everything from simple songs and tunes to the "classic" literature such as Haydn, Hummel, and Hindemith - and orchestral etudes (as appropriate). Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

I use the method created by Adolf Herseth (Principle trumpeter in the Chicago Symphony for 50 years). I learned this method from William Fielder at Rutgers. This concept is based on using air as the primary energy source for producing sound. We will work on strengthening the breathing apparatus to be able to produce a pure clear tone that is without distortion. From there we work on being able to keep that same sound thought the full range of the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

It's important to set realistic goals, I will assign short things to work on per week. I can tailor my instruction to the needs of any student by listening to their wants and needs. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so remaining patient and being able to work together to become successful is key! I find that sometimes it is best to find out from the student what makes them most excited about playing the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage my students to learn at their own pace and push them when I see I can. I do not want to deter my students from liking what they do. I try to find the passion for a style of music and bring it out in my students while connecting that style to other styles to show the student that styles are idiosynchratic, but that they can also interchange with other styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

I'm a certified music instructor whose favorite part of teaching is getting to meet new people and bond over music. I graduated from Messiah College with Bachelor's degree in Music education and have taught as a certified music teacher for a year now. I have been playing clarinet since grade school, saxophone since high school, and picked up piano in college. I have also performed in many ensembles, such as the Messiah College Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I typically create my own lesson plans and try to cater them to the student. Most recently I've been working with trying to find a balance of teaching music theory and practical piano. When teaching theory, I often refer to Kotska's and Payne's "Tonal Harmony" for the order of the curriculum, and when it comes to exercises I will either write them out on the spot to demonstrate something to the student (I also feel it is important to SHOW the student how to MAKE music, ie. proper note notation, and symbol shape), or prepare them in advance if the content is more complex. Read More