Oakdale, IA Trombone Lessons

eel successful. All technique is based on real music. Learning scales, keys and music theory become part of the music. By the end of 6 months, we will have a "repertoire" of several songs that express our best self!

co Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

Will provide sheet music and exercises. My students should have a working instrument as well as any method book or sheet music we are working on.

*** Specialties ***
I teach all styles and genres

Parkinson, Peter Sullivan, Peter Ellefson and Joe Duchi.

am currently the head director at Trinity Junior High in Fort Smith. I run a 7-9 band program that includes both marching and concert band seasons. Our student involvement is quite high as our band program serves about 50% of our total student population.

t West Music in Coralville.

Currently I am affiliated with two professional orchestras in the Eastern Iowa area. I am the second trombonist in Orchestra Iowa based out of Cedar Rapids, and will be filling in as an interim second trombone for the 2017-2018 Quad City Symphony season. I have been playing in professional orchestras for the last ten years and can teach you orchestral style, and audition preparation.

In addition to my orchestra playing, I was also a member of Axiom Brass Quintet from 2012-2014 where we were the first prize winners at the International brass competition held in Passau Germany.

As a soloist, I was also the grand prize winner of the Chicago International Brass solo competition in 2012 on euphonium.
Currently, I am also an active member with the New Chicago Brass, a modern brass ensemble based out of Chicago. I am comfortable teaching all brass instruments for all ages and skill levels. I look forward to answering any questions you may have in regard to taking lessons on a brass instrument.

would get first-hand learning and playing experience with the legendary jazz trombonist, Carl Fontana. While in Las Vegas, he enrolled at the University of Las Vegas and played in its award-winning Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Frank Gagliardi. While playing at UNLV, Neil was selected "The Most Outstanding College Performer" at the Downbeat Musicfest in 1990. The Jazz Ensemble also won "The Most Outstanding Jazz Band" award at the festival. While at UNLV, Neil performed with such jazz artists as Bobby Shew, Don Menza, Richie Cole, Snookey Young, Joe Romano, Frankie Capp, Carson Smith, Bob Florence and the great jazz singer, Joe Williams.
Since 1988, Las Vegas has been home for Neil. He has freelanced every major celebrity showroom in town, backing such acts as Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul Anka, The Temptations, The Buckinghams, The O'Jays, The Righteous Brothers, Boyz II Men and Paul Shaffer. His production show credits include "Enter the Night", "Legends in Concert", "American Superstars", "The Rat Pack is Back", "At the Copa", "Chicago" and "Steve Wynn's Showstoppers".
Neil is a regular member of several of Las Vegas bands, including his own band "The Groove Brothers", "The Dirty with Franky Perez" and is a long time member of "The Lon Bronson All-Star Band" who perform on a regular basis at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center.

mposition program as part of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
I also manage and book for the NYC Party Band, a wedding/event band in the tri-state area.

My teachers have included: Jan Kagrice, Luis Bonilla, Paul McKee, Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Jason Moran, and Andre Hayward.

I hope we can create some amazing music together!