Tom Hutchinson
About
The son of two music teachers, I have been immersed in music, first violin, then piano, and finally trombone, since the age of 7. I fell in love with jazz, especially Dixieland, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, through Miles Davis, JJ Johnson and beyond, when I was a teenager, but ultimately my main focus has been on Classical music for most of my career. I attended Juilliard Pre-College, Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, where I studied with the top trombonists in the classical orchestral field, and I now perform with some of the top orchestras in New York City, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, American Ballet Theater, as well as Broadway and Radio City and many contemporary and commercial ensembles in the NYC area. As an adjunct professor of trombone at New York University, I am passionate about playing and teaching the trombone and am confident that I can help students of any level become better trombonists and musicians.
I always get something intrinsically from playing and teaching the trombone. As a player, I always have some goal, some element of my technique to work on and strive to make better, and as a teacher, I enjoy encouraging my students to do the same. That "eureka" moment when the "light goes on", when the student really "gets it", is worth all the hours of hard work.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Student's age
Able to read music
Years experience
Instrument style
Musical styles
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I listen to a student with an open mind and assess where they are in terms of development, interest and motivation to become a better player. I feel that I can help anyone, at virtually any level, to refine and strengthen the fundamentals of good trombone playing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 45 years of experience on the instrument, including Juilliard Pre-College (high school level), Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard at the conservatory level.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I generally charge $50/ half hour, and I can be flexible depending on the student's financial needs.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching almost immediately after graduating from Juilliard, when I was appointed professor of trombone at L'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, in Rome, Italy.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with every level of student from beginners and amateurs to professionals, Music Ed majors to conservatory level students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing music with my lovely girlfriend, Martha, who is a great pianist- I love making music with her because she is such a refined musician and has such great musical instincts- I always learn something, about music and about myself, when I play with her!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Bring an open mind, willingness to learn as well as motivation to improve, and come prepared!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Identify their musical goals. A good teacher is important, but a motivated student who is always curious to learn and improve is the key to getting better.