Mightybone Music

About

My name is Ric Mightybone Feliciano, and I'm a professional trombone player, singer, writer and arranger for over 37 years. I have extensive music industry experience. In August 1992, I performed with Billy Joel, Foreigner, Paul Simon. In December 1993, I recorded & performed trombone on Phil Driscoll’s Grammy nominated album “Warriors” (Word Label 1994). Additionally, I wrote all the horn arrangements on that album. In 2004, I recorded & performed trombone on John Lee Hooker, Jr’s Grammy nominated album “Blues With A Vengeance”(Kent Label 2004). I proceeded to record four more albums with Hooker, one of which I wrote horn arrangements on "All Hooked Up" album (Steppin' Stone Record Label 2012, 2016, and 2019.

I've also recorded many salsa albums as well including projects with the Latin Rhythm Boys (my salsa band), Mambo Tropical, Broken English, La Verdad, and Ron Scott. I wrote horn arrangements for Italian rock star Zucchero for his world tour in 2013. I myself been on tour in various parts of the world (Algeria, Mexico, NY, Las Vegas). Other artists include Grammy winners Jimmy Bosch, Pete Escovedo, Willy Torres (from Spanish Harlem Orchestra), salsa star Johnny Polanco.

I share this experience with you because my vast experience in the industry will help you get an edge when taking on brass and woodwind instruments. Sound is everything. I have a reputation for "sounding great." The other thing is counting correctly. Extremely important. If you have those two fundamentals, you will have success.

I'm based in the Bay Area and would love to teach you what I know and share my experience with you.

Thank you very much,

Ric Mightybone Feliciano

Highlights

Hired 2 times

1 employee

38 years in business

Serves San Jose , CA

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle

Social media

Photos and videos

Performing with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas at the Kate Wolf Festival

Reviews

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Stephen R.

Just what I was looking for. Very helpful with trumpet specific technique as well as general musicianship.

March 09, 2023

•Hired on Lessons

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

After 37 years, I've developed a tried and true process. Using a piano or keyboard, I begin strengthening and finishing the foundation of knowledge with classical methodology. I then start branching out to other genres such as jazz, R&B, Latin, blues, salsa, ballad, etc. We'll "perform" each week, myself on the keyboard, and my student on their instrument. This method has created many fully developed musicians over the years. The same will happen to you.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

In addition to attending Ithaca College in NY, my real training started on the job in the 80s. • Created music for live musical shows in NY • Been in charge of and on tour with various music artists' horn sections. These include John Lee Hooker, Jr., Phil Driscoll, Toto, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, the Drifters, Kaye Bohler, musical A Chorus Line. When I teach, I bring real world experience.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

My price for teaching in your home is $70/hr. My students pay me with Zelle or Venmo, once per month, at the end of the month when I issue invoices.

How did you get started teaching?

In the mid 80s, in New York on Long Island, I taught high school music for 12 years. Simultaneously, I started working with various artists like Phil Driscoll. I would perform short runs with Billy Joel, Foreigner, Paul Simon. I realized I had something to contribute to live performance and recording. So I left formal teaching in the mid 90s and started a private lessons business called Mightybone Music. In-between performance. I taught trombone, trumpet, sax, flute, clarinet, songwriting. Why? Because I love influencing the next generation.

What types of students have you worked with?

• I work beginners, intermediate, and advanced • I start at 9 years old when they typically have the maturity to handle what I give them. • I have two (2) students in their 60s learning trumpet. One of them has returned to his instrument after 20 years when he used to be something and is now a little fearful. The other is an upper beginner, in need of more foundational principles. • I have made exceptions in regards to the topic of age age ---an 8yr old and a 7yr old. Why? The parents insisted I try on the condition that if I determined that it was no good, we would pause. Well....they are still with me. One is a genius sax student, and the other a trumpet player, while still immature, is greatly benefitting by my involvement, and as he matures, he is showing great talent.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

About 4 years ago, I started a left-handed trombone player. Conventionally, I'm supposed to switch him to right handed. But I saw such natural movement with him, I left him left handed. Since Slide Hampton, famous left handed bone player was great, I figured I'd handle the criticism. Well this past fall, he joined the prestigious Stanford Jazz Miles Ahead as a 10 grader and he's taking over. His sound and improvisation skills are off the charts. (the 1st two years, he was not good yet. Now look.) Oh, and he's now becoming known as LeftBone. 🙂 Very proud.

Services offered

Brass Lessons