Trumpet Lessons in Wood Dale, IL

Instruments: Trumpet

I start each student with a diagnostic lesson where I assess the strong points of their playing, and I also identify the areas that could use work. After that initial lesson I formulate a customized curriculum that is aimed at improving the technical, musical, and theoretical aspects of the student to create a well-rounded musician. I believe that incorporating solo repertoire into lessons is important as well. Exercises are important, but I believe that the implementation of new skills with repertoire is key to solidifying the skills that the student is working on. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The methods I use are dependent on the ability level of each particular student. For beginning students, they usually have books given to them (i.e. Essential elements) by their band director at school - which is a fantastic way to start. I think it really depends on the needs of each individual player. There are several great trumpet method books such as Arban's complete conservatory method, Clarke's technical studies, Schlossberg's Daily Drills, etc. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I started giving private lessons out my freshman year of college 5 years ago. During that time I had students from my previous high school and junior high. Both age groups gave me the chance to find ways to help different levels of playing and what to focus on with different levels of playing and understanding of the horn. For the younger, beginning junior high students I would work on exercises their band teacher had given to them and their playing posture and breathing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My experience with learning was fun. Since I was learning multiple instruments it was fun to tie everything together. I could say the best part while learning was understanding theory...that part of my learning opened up many doors for me musically. I started to understand why certain notes could and couldn't be played, why and how to use different scales. Those things are the same things I try to reveal to the students when the time is right. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

The first time I began teaching music was shortly after graduating high school, and asking local band directors to get some experience with their summer band, and marching band programs. While studying music in college, I received further training in classrooms outside of music to further develop my skills. It was during this period I that began to find joy from one-to-one learning. While I intend to provide most of the educational material, I also encourage my students to bring what they want to learn as well for a well-rounded experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I continued teaching private lessons, while also conducting a high school youth choir in Chicagoland after moving to IL. After a few years my family and I moved to the greater Cincinnati area where I currently teach as a high school choral and drama teacher while serving as the theatre manager as well. I strongly encourage my students to learn to communicate with their music; while building strong technique and working on artistic expression, I want each student to be able to use music as a language. 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