About
Since my graduation from the University of South Carolina, I have enjoyed a varied career in performing many genres of music around the world and in the United States. I have performed in theme parks, on cruise ships, with symphony orchestras all the way to jazz bands, as well as touring in orchestras with Broadway shows.
I am confident that I can contribute as your trumpet instructor, because of my varied career and the skills I am able to teach. Specifically:
· The traditional approach to trumpet playing, which builds a strong musician who can play with others
· The physical practice of trumpet, which takes into account the muscular conditioning to consistently play a brass instrument
· Jazz improvisation
· Commercial music style (rock, Broadway, salsa, pop, etc.)
· Music theory and aural skills
Through the study of music, I have learned about much more than just music. When you learn to play an instrument like the trumpet, you also learn patience, self kindness, problem solving, and mental toughness. These qualities that you gain from the trumpet can be used in any aspect of life. As much as I love the details of the trumpet, I also love the inner aspects that you gain from the trumpet.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A first lesson should cover a few things: 1. Finding out the student's overall goals as a musician, 2. Learning the student's strengths, and 3. Learning the student's weaknesses.
In the first lesson, I like to have students play something that they feel is in their comfort zone so I can get an idea of general skill and their confidence levels. I then can ask them to play a few things and see what pushes their technique, so we can set up a protocol to move forward. It's also important for me to understand what it is about the trumpet or music that they enjoy so we can create some goals outside of the fundamentals of the trumpet.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelor's degree in music from the University of South Carolina, and have studied with about a dozen teachers around the country including international soloists, orchestral and opera orchestra musicians, chop doctors, jazz players, and lead trumpet players.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing goes up as my time slots fill. At this point, I'm doing $20 for an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
A professor at USC reached out to me about teaching in a community program that focused on teaching music to working adults and senior citizens.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide range of students. My youngest student is 8 years old, and my oldest student in their 70's.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
After looking back on the many teachers I've had, You need to find someone who is going to lift you up, not tear you down. A student should be pushed consistently to grow, but some teachers can about it the wrong way and end up causing long term confidence issues. I want my students to be fearless and not be afraid to try anything, but also knowing the etiquette that is needed to participate in a rehearsal or performance.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It's probably best to not to overthink any issues. If you overthink an issue in a negative way, it could continue to spiral. I would suggest simply writing down your observation in a note pad. If you work on fixing it, write down what you think the best fix was, and bring that to your teacher. After working through several issues with a teacher, the student will learn how to fix their own problems. The reason I'd say not to overthink an issue is because most issues will work themselves out, and it's best not to think that it's your fault that it's happening. The problem could stem from something as simple as you being dehydrated!