Lessons
I give both online and in-person instruction on trumpet, trombone, baritone and euphonium in Seattle in the North Seattle area and on the Eastside in the Kirkland area at the Metropolitan Music store and in Bothell at Bothell Music Lessons. Lessons are 1/2 hour in length and I am also available for 45-minute and hour lessons for more advanced students. Please contact me for rates and availability. I can usually be somewhat flexible and find a time that works for you.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe first and foremost that learning to play a musical instrument is one of the most worthwhile endeavors that we can can pursue, whether as a young student or as an a adult. It can also be extremely enjoyable and open many doors for people, whether they do it for fun or for a living. I have had many students go on to pursue music in college and even more that remember their years of playing the trumpet fondly while they pursue other interests.
My personal approach to teaching brass instruments focuses on learning through imitation. In other words, I play for the student, and then they play. If we have a model to imitate in our "minds ear" and really hear the music it can make things much easier. I also believe that people learn in different ways and that it is the teacher's responsibility to find the most effective way of communicating with a student whether it is through assertive instruction or humor. I do my best to accentuate a students' strengths while working to improve in the areas that they are weak and sincerely believe that every student has something unique within themselves to offer that no one else has. Students are encouraged to pursue whatever music styles they are interested in whether it is jazz, classical, or popular tunes.
Learning to play a brass instrument can be extremely challenging. It demands concentration, patience, repetition, and, yes, practice! I expect all of my students to practice. Beginners are encouraged to practice for 15-20 minutes a day, intermediate students are encouraged to practice for 30 minutes a day, and advanced students are encouraged to practice in two or more 30-45 minute sessions with rest in between. Practicing a little bit every day is far more beneficial than playing a lot one day and skipping a day or two!
My personal approach to teaching brass instruments focuses on learning through imitation. In other words, I play for the student, and then they play. If we have a model to imitate in our "minds ear" and really hear the music it can make things much easier. I also believe that people learn in different ways and that it is the teacher's responsibility to find the most effective way of communicating with a student whether it is through assertive instruction or humor. I do my best to accentuate a students' strengths while working to improve in the areas that they are weak and sincerely believe that every student has something unique within themselves to offer that no one else has. Students are encouraged to pursue whatever music styles they are interested in whether it is jazz, classical, or popular tunes.
Learning to play a brass instrument can be extremely challenging. It demands concentration, patience, repetition, and, yes, practice! I expect all of my students to practice. Beginners are encouraged to practice for 15-20 minutes a day, intermediate students are encouraged to practice for 30 minutes a day, and advanced students are encouraged to practice in two or more 30-45 minute sessions with rest in between. Practicing a little bit every day is far more beneficial than playing a lot one day and skipping a day or two!