Samuel Koff Trumpet Lessons
About
Learning an instrument does not always have to feel tedious! My objective is to teach trumpet students the necessary fundamentals and get them set up to succeed with the instrument while enjoying themselves in the process!
In addition to the basics, students participate in ear training, call and response, and most importantly listening.
My experiences as a musician impact my approach to teaching. For example, I believe it is just as important to learn a James Brown lick by ear as it is to practice the Hummel concierto or improvise on Miles Davis' so what. We should be open to any genre.
I am a current member of many bands including No BS! Brass, and have performed in the band of Sufjan Stevens. I have learned so much from my ups and downs as a trumpet player, and could have never guessed playing music would have allowed me to travel all over the United States and Europe playing venues that range from small rock clubs to jazz festivals, to major rock festivals like Coachella. I earned a degree in music performance from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Degree in Music Performance from VCU,
Member of: No BS! Brass, East Coast Affair, Flavor Project, R4ND4ZZO BIG B4ND, Tanook33, Wanders
Has toured with: Sufjan Stevens
has performed with: Bon Iver, the Shins, Lucy Dacus, Lucius
Has performed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, at Monterrey Jazz Festival, Panorama, Coachella, Pitchfork Festival, Red Rocks
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$45 per hour, $30 per half hour lesson.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who is familiar with the fundamentals and is willing to teach jazz and classical. Look for someone who is both an experienced performer and teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to get out of your lessons? What music do you like? What do you listen to? What to you want to play? What would you like to sound like?