About
Learn how to play, pick the horn back up after years away, get prepared for an audition, recital, concert: whatever your motivation, I teach all levels and a wide range of styles. The trumpet is a challenging instrument. Without private lessons it is easy to develop bad habits.
I am a working popular, jazz and classical trumpet player. I have recently moved to the Twin Cities from Los Angeles where I taught and performed with Big Bands, classical ensembles and a Mariachi group. I currently perform with the Mae Simpson band and play solo cornet in the Twin Cities brass band, in addition to freelance work where available.
Se habla español
I have loved the trumpet since I first heard it as a young kid. But when I started out, I found that the method used for teaching didn't really get you listening and playing from the very start. The greatest excitement when you first begin to play an instrument is the collective sound you can create with others. I try to incorporate duet playing and help my students look for opportunities to perform, including by organizing mini recitals to help students acheive milestones and experience what it feels like to play with and for others.
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Marisa S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The trumpet has a very steep initial learning curve. I try to help students get comfortable with the fundamentals, air, pitch, sound. I incorporate listening into the lesson. Often band methods will include simple themes from great works, I like to take the time to listen to the original and try to get the student to think in terms of a musical phrase. While you can't escape the repetitive technical exercises, new students need to always have the goal in mind, what attracted them to this instrument in the first place.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have, and continue to, study the trumpet for two decades. My teachers have included David Baldwin, Bill Simonsen, Drew Ninmer, Jamie Hovorka, and others. I studied at the University of Minnesota and did further Jazz study work at El Camino College in Los Angeles. My greatest education has been in performing in a wide range of ensembles, from Mariachi and Banda style trumpet, to big band and small group jazz, to British Brass band and orchestral and chamber playing. I believe to grow as a musician you must always be learning from others and challenging yourself to do things that are uncomfortable for you.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I prefer to teach out of my home studio. The pricing for lessons held there is as follows: $30 for a half hour lesson, $50 for one hour. I encourage my students to take the full hour, although the youngest learners may need to start with a half hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching private lessons in Los Angeles. I enjoyed it and in collaboration with a piano teacher held regular recitals for my students. It is a good complement to practicing and performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have had mostly younger students, and one adult. I found them all to pose a different set of challenges, whether you are a comeback player trying to establish a routine to help you get back into playing in your local community band, a high school player preparing for college auditions, or just starting out in elementary or middle school, I have found each experience to be gratifying.