Pico Rivera, CA Trombone Lessons

My services provide you with an opportunity to learn from a balance state of thinking to achieve success in your goals for the chosen instrument. Whether its technique, learning how to read both musically and literally, my teaching methods are very self reflective and introspective to provide the understanding you're looking for. All in all my sessions are very people friendly and driven to meet your needs. This helps to learn on a deeper level so that you may appreciate, learn faster and enjoy a greater sense of awareness for the fun of the music making process. I have a very warm and easy going approach with an emphasis on FUN so that we can connect to what we love to do which is make music.

I've been teaching music, tutoring, and performing for a combined 30 years and my students have gone on to be in the President's Own, Army Band, Marine Band, ALL State musicians, DCI Musicians, and many scholarship recipients at major Universities. I specialize in instrumental lessons, typically use Arban, Rubank, and traditional method books, and SmartMusic!. I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and I can't wait to meet you!

My students can expect to have a balanced practice life starting with daily routines/trombone maintenance, continuing to etudes and technical studies, and ultimately finishing with musical repertoire. I give my students the skills on how to become efficient practicers, which is essential if he/she wishes to make regular improvements on the trombone. My goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere in which students can feel free to express themselves through the music they play. I keep students mentally engaged by asking them questions that are intended to direct them toward creating a clear, personal interpretation of their music. This gives the student a sense of artistic authority and ownership over their playing and creates more enjoyment in daily practicing.

Because I am still a student myself, I still take lessons with professionals, so I often will have similar input to my own teachers. I focus a lot on air technique and breathing, which many teachers forget to teach, even though it is probably the most important part of playing. I'm also a part of several ensembles becaude I go to an arts school, so I know many styles of music and how to use what I know from the music to determine interpretation.

I am a professional trombonist for the 300th Army Band stationed out of Bell, CA. Graduated from the Army School of Music in June 2011. I attended Citrus College from 2009-2013. While at Citrus College I performed with their jazz bands, pop rock bands, and latin bands. I am currently attending Azusa Pacific University pursuing my bachelor degree in trombone performance.

I have been playing trombone most of my life and it is the first instrument I learned to play. I play in all the top groups at CSUF, classical and jazz. If you want to get better, I am the guy to take lessons off of. I have worked with many rock/pop groups in the Inland Empire, and I continue to collaborate with other artists in the area. I will push you to be your best!

I can get you proficient on the trombone to where you will understand breathing technique, slide position and tone production. We will also focus on reading and understanding music.

Having played the trombone for 15 years, I've been able to attend two great educational institutions (California State University, Long Beach - BM 15 and the University of Southern California - MM 17, DMA 21), perform at world class venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and play alongside or under inspiring musicians such as Wynton Masalis and Carl St. Clair respectfully. With exposure to such depth of musical experience,
I can only guarantee you quality teaching.

Take lessons with a experienced teacher that actively performs and teaches. What makes me a good teacher is the fact that I struggled during the first few years that I started playing. I had a work through those struggles in order to become the musician I am today, so I know how to break things down and to cater lessons to each individual student. There is no cookie cutter method for all, we each have our own issues to work on. Some naturally gifted teachers will just tell you to play something and make it work...but since I had to work hard to become successful, I can use what I learned to help you to achieve success. I will help you to build a strong fundamental base and to turn your weaknesses into strengths! Whether you are preparing for school band or ensemble, for honor band auditions, college auditions, or solo and ensemble festivals, I would be happy to help you to become the musician that you want to become.