Fundamentals
Wind instruments are difficult! You must know this before signing up for a band class or taking lessons! The trumpet, in particular, requires a lot of strength training in the tiny muscles required to make the sound. It will take a couple of years before you can produce a clear full sound, unlike some instruments that can produce a nearly perfect sound on a student's first attempt. I urge my students to play 7 days per week, 6 days if they are advanced and need a rest day. Every day you spend away from the horn is a day you will spend regaining strength.
That being said, I promise the sacrifice is worth it. Wind musicians can bend pitch, get louder and softer on command, and manipulate the timbre of our instrument, giving us so many expressive tools that pianists, guitarists, drummers, etc. do not have.
Classical
From symphonic band, to orchestra, to solo playing, I specialize in building my student's sounds to be full and rich. We'll work on breathing with your entire stomach and lungs, and truly filling your trumpet to it's capacity. We'll get your articulation to be clear and fast without sounding harsh and forced. We'll study Arban's etudes, Charlier etudes, and duets.
Jazz
Our primary focus in improvising will be learning to play by ear. Beginners will start by learning solos by Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong without sheet music. I will have you transcribe simple chord progressions with no 7 or 9 chords; being able to hear basic triad harmony is a key step to hearing 5, 6, or 7 voice chords!
More advanced players will transcribe Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and Clifford Brown, along with any modern trumpet players (or any instrument) they enjoy. We'll dig into phrasing and more complex music theory, as well as non-jazz improvisation, such as funk, rock, afro beat, and other non-categorical styles.
Half hour lessons: $30
Hour lessons: $55
Online and in-person lessons available
CONTACT ME
I’m here to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable for you. Contact me to get started!