Phil Norris Pro Trumpet Lessons
About
I teach the physical side of trumpet playing and help with embouchure development first. With that I help the student with music especially school band students with their school music. I've been teaching trumpet in SoCal area music stores since 1983, and playing myself since 1968. I'm a pro player also performing with 7+ bands before the pandemic hit. I can also be reached on Facebook here, https://www.facebook.com/PhilNorrisProTrumpetLessons/
I enjoy sharing the trumpet and how to make music with it to those interested in learning. With all the bands I'm with it's proof positive that keeping practice habits going will pay off.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask the student to play a couple notes like a low C if bare bones beginner or a middle C. Have them play a C scale to see how they're setting up their embouchure. From there I can determine what kind of routine to map out for them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Outside of being a music major at CSU Long Beach late 70's I've been teaching trumpet since 1983 at several music stores in the SoCal Area. Been playing since 1968 and am currently a pro player performing in several bands. I studied with several teachers through the years but stayed with Bob Valle for 24 years until his death. I know music theory well and usually am the one writing arrangments and scoring horn sections for bands I'm with.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35.00 per 1/2 hour lesson, which usually a portion of that goes towards studio rent.
How did you get started teaching?
1983 started at Anaheim Band Instruments. I was the original trumpet teacher there. I've been teaching at music stores ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly kids from elementary school band through high school. I teach all ages tho, and have taught a few older than myself who used to play in school themselves. I'm pretty good with "be back" players who want to get their chops back.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was in the 1984 Olympic Opening Ceremonies herald trumpet unit. I've played Las Vegas a few times the last one being at Mandalay Bay opening for Merle Haggard. This happened to be his last performance as he passed away a few weeks afterwards.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone that can DO what you want to acheive. Don't take trumpet lessons from a non trumpet player. Other instrumentalists have no idea the physical riggors it takes to play trumpet.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should ask themselves if they're willing to put in an hour or two of daily practice, because that is what it takes to excel at this instrument. It's not like playing piano, guitar or drums where you can take a week off and come back to it. Trumpet playing involves embouchure muscle building which takes daily exersise to acheive.