Trumpet Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet

I'm a freelance trumpet player, guitarist, educator, songwriter, and composer here in New York City. I have been a student of the trumpet for almost 30 years, and my former teachers include Michael Sachs (Cleveland Orchestra), Raymond Mase (formerly of the American Brass Quintet), Tom Booth (formerly of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra), Larry Black, and James Thompson (both formerly of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). I did my graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, as well undergraduate work at Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

For beginning students, I start with Accent on Achievement, book one. Once the student has gotten a grasp of the fundamentals, I then introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student. I will always reference the method book if students are having trouble with a certain technique. For beginning jazz students, I start with the Greg Fishman Jazz books. Once students have mastered this book, I then switch to the omnibook and real book and allow students to learn and try to improvise a solo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Music

It is important to adopt a teaching style that is tailored to the individual needs of each student, especially because each student learns at their own pace. Setting goals is one of the first topics I discuss with my students, and then indicate some of the steps they need to take to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Keeping track of a student's hours of practice and their musical achievements is beneficial for me to determine what new material and concepts to work on, and also allows the student to stay organized and motivated.  Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I was a student of Laurie Frink, who is widely regarded as the greatest trumpet/brass teacher to ever live. I use alot of her methods to teach students who are intermediate/advanced level. This includes her book, "flexus", along with a number of exercises tailored to the student. Laurie always found a way to teach every student differently, based on their weaknesses and strengths. My goal is to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

Teaching has been a regular part of my life since my undergraduate days. At the University of Idaho, I had the opportunity to be a Learning Assistant for freshman music theory, aural skills, and jazz theory; a position that involved more actual teaching than the typical teaching assistantship. At this time, I also ran a private studio with around a dozen trumpet students. As part of my music education degree, I completed my student teaching at the high school level and find extreme joy from teaching groups of students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Music Keyboard

From my years of experience both as a musician and as a teacher, communication and trust are the key components to a successful lesson. My students will always know the expectations and goals, just as I would like my students to be open enough to talk about what they are feeling, if the goals are reasonable, and if they are finding success. I will go over a foundation of basics for every student, teaching them how to practice and setting them up for success. Read More