About
Justin Talamantez has a passion for finding where someone is in their musical journey and leading them forward from there. His core values include, but are not limited to: Transparency, Loyalty, Respect, Ambition, and Resilience.
Justin is a student near the completion of a Music Education Bachelors Degree and is looking for a mutual growing experience. He only teaches in the contexts in which he has already fulfilled the class credit required in his degree plan.
Justin has extensive leadership experience including:
· Trumpet Section Leader in High School and at UT Arlington.
· Leading/teaching sectionals in Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, and other groups.
· Paid Trumpet Player and Choral Bass Section Leader at Grace Lutheran Church and First Christian Church.
· Artistic Director/Conductor of the Arlington High School Alumni Band
· Pioneered and currently leads the first ever Alumni Jazz Combo for Arlington High School
· Principle Trumpet in various ensembles such at Arlington Youth Symphony under Dr. Clifton Evans, Arlington High School Wind Symphony, All City Band 2013 and 2014, the Mansfield Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Symphonic Winds and Brass Quintet at UT Arlington.
Justin is fair and honest, and his prices in comparison to full time lesson teachers reflect that.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I ask several baseline questions about their history in the subject and find out where they are in their journey.
Second, I explore the three main learning styles (visual, aural, kinesthetic) to get to know the type of learner I'm dealing with.
Third, I test their ability by giving them leveled challenges, each one more difficult than the last.
Lastly, give them a clear short term (for the next interaction) and long term goals (what they want to achieve and where I intend to guide them), and lesson plan based on that.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have successfully completed three years of Music Education courses, including all of the following requisites that exist within the Music Education degree plan: Music Thory I-IV, Ear Training I-IV, Private Lessons, Marching Band, Music Appreciation, Choral Techniques (Sang Bass II in the premiere choral ensemble "A Capella"), and Instrumental Conducting I and II.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
As I have noted, I have not yet attained a bachelors degree. Because of this, I have taken the standard private lesson rates in AISD and lowered them to fit my experience level.
Payment plans are available if necessary, and dealt with on a case by case basis.
How did you get started teaching?
I gained experience being a principle trumpet player very early on. I was a section leader in high school and college, and I have conducted several groups through standard both repertiore and my own compositions during these experiences.
I have always loved helping someone achieve that "light bulb moment" we have all experienced. It is where I gain the most fulfillment in life.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students ranging from 4th-12th grade as a teaching artist with the B Sharp Youth Music program in Ft. Worth in the context of band, choir, and full orchestra.
I have taught my peers via student leadership for a total of 4 years.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are a lot of things to lookg for when choosing the right fit, but if I had to narrow it down to one thing, it would be:
Look for someone that listens more than they talk. There is a difference between talking to and talking with a person. No matter how intelligent or experienced the teacher is, if they cannot connect with the student or be aware of their true understanding, the student will walk away having learned nothing and that time will have been wasted.
I am not one to lecture and regurgitate the things I have learned. Instead, I analyze the situation and deliberately choose the relevent lessons I wish to teach.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I care enough about this subject to pursue private lessons and follow instructions guiding my individual practice?
What do I want to improve in my performance?
How much time do I want to commit to this subject weekly? Daily?
How much money am I comfortable spending regularly on lessons?
What kind of learning style do I prefer?
What kind of teacher do I prefer? One that asks questions, one that plainly tells me what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it, one that challenges my creativity, or a funny one that makes time go by?