About
An innate curiosity in people and a desire to watch my student's fall in love with trumpet playing and music making more generally.
Highlights
Payment methods
Photos and videos
Reviews
Ellen L.
Dao L.
Julie D.
Joseph
Kelby K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I generally will ask the student why they play the trumpet, what their goals or ambitions are (All-State, college audition, professional musician, fun/hobby.) I then ask the student to define five strengths and five work-in-progress areas of their playing. From their I'll run a few diagnostic tests to check the fundamental skill that's lacking, demonstrate and design a routine tailored to the student's level and desires.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelor's in Music at Indiana University and my Master's in Music from Rice University. At Rice I had a close working relationship with Barbara Butler and Charlie Geyer, two of the most renowned trumpet teachers in the world. Their method of breaking complex problems down into simpler sub-components, called "skeleton practice" is now a cornerstone of my teaching. I have expertise in many of the major trumpet methods including Stamp, Cichowicz, Schlossberg, Arban, Clarke, and many more. I've taught and given masterclasses in Dickinson, Waller, Katy, Klein, The Woodlands Christian Academy, and the British International School of Houston. From 2017-2021 I coached the Houston Youth Symphony. I have successfully prepared students for summer festival, collegiate, Region and All-State auditions. My performing credentials include Acting Principal Trumpet of the Iceland Symphony in 2021, and the same role with the Houston Grand Opera and Ballet in 2022.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$100/1hr in-home lesson
$85/1hr lesson at my studio
$85/45 minute in-home lesson
$70/45 minute lesson at my studio
$50/30 minute lesson at my studio
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching was a natural outgrowth of my curiosity around a life in music. I started teaching a few students while still in high school, trying to compile my hours of practice into something digestable to elementary school student's. When I moved to Houston in 2014, I was excited about the level of enthusiasm for music in the schools. It's been a perfect match ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught the full gamut of players - beginning students as young as 10 years old to 60 year old "comeback" players. Each student is an entirely new experience and there is no one right way for everyone. It's this process that keeps the joy of teaching fresh and exciting.