About
I a have two degrees in music, a BA in general music and a PhD in music theory. I run a music publishing company and teach brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, horn, and tuba) through high school and piano at the beginning level. I have taught students at all levels, from Kindergarteners plunking out the first tentative notes of Für Elise on the piano through doctoral students preparing for comprehensive exams, and I have learned from all of them.
I most enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with students who have a desire to learn and excel via private study which, in my opinion, is where real learning takes place. The give-and-take of private study allows for probing conversation about, and intimate engagement with, the object or subject being studied whether it is a poem, a painting, a musical composition, a foreign-language prose excerpt, or a refinement of tone quality or technique on a musical instrument.
Reviews
James C.
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied German for four years in high school, and paid very close attention to my literature and writing classes. Plus, I was in two school plays. In college, I majored in music and minored in literature with a particular emphasis on the "moldy oldies" of Chaucer and Shakespeare: great stuff!
In grad school, I majored in musicology (music history) and music theory. In my teaching, I try to have a broad humanities basis
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $25.00 per 1/2-hour lesson and $40.00 per hour. Payments should be made in advance for the month (usually four payments at the beginning of the month). For students through eighth grade (generally ages 5 through 13), I teach exclusively 1/2-hour lessons. For high-school and above, I give students the option of an hour lesson, especially with written subjects like theory and composition.
How did you get started teaching?
I startes teaching trumpet lessons as a junior in high school and throughout high school and college I was recommended by my faculty to teach students who were having trouble. Though my highest level of expertise is in music-related disciplines (theory, composition, analysis, and brass instruments), I have also taught English composition, American history, general music, and drama at the high school level. At the university level, I taught music theory, ear training, counterpoint, twentueth-century music, and Schenkerian analysis.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all levels of experience from young children exploring musical instruments for the first time through doctoral students preparing for compremensive exams.